As Apple moves toward launching home products this fall, it has reportedly been preparing their rollout in Apple Stores. In addition to refreshed versions of the HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K, a simultaneous announcement of its first smart home hub is reportedly under consideration.
With a launch of its home product lineup this fall in view, Apple is reportedly reviewing its in-store Apple Store rollout. The latest candidates include a new HomePod mini and a new Apple TV 4K, while the simultaneous launch of a smart home hub is also reportedly under consideration.
The information was reported by the US technology publication 9to5Mac, which says the leading possibility is a simultaneous announcement of the 3 products listed above. Home products have historically had long update cycles, but the latest move is being interpreted as an effort to strengthen Apple's position in the smart home market.
The smart home hub is expected to feature a display of approximately 7 inches, with multiple form factors under consideration, including a wall-mounted version. Its operating system may be newly designed for home products, and the device is expected to serve as a central hub for FaceTime calls and Siri integration.
Apple's September keynote is expected to be the venue for the final announcement. The combination of refreshed HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K models with a smart home hub could provide an indication of the company's new home strategy.