Apple recently held a launch event titled “Welcome Home”, where it announced four major developments, officially entering the smart home market previously led by Amazon and Google. The core theme of this launch is the full integration of the newly upgraded Siri AI (built based on Apple Foundation Models), providing deeper personalization and natural conversation support for the home ecosystem.
Here are the details of each core new product released at this conference:
1. Apple HomeView smart display
As the absolute star of this launch event, Apple HomeView is Apple’s first smart display.
- Core Design: Features a 7-inch Liquid Retina screen and an arc-shaped speaker base, connected via a stainless steel hinge to support tilt adjustment.
- Smart Interaction: Supports face recognition for up to six users, and automatically provides a personalized home screen, widgets, and private apps such as “Messages” and “Calendar” based on the recognition results (when a paired iPhone/iPad is nearby and unlocked); sharing photo albums and music are open to all visitors.
- Specs and Price: Priced at $299, it comes in four colors: silver, starlight white, rose pink, and space gray, with a wall-mounted model available at the same price.
- Release Information: Pre-orders are available in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, India, and New Zealand. The official release is on November 13 (Singapore follows on October 15). Due to EU iOS system Siri AI policy restrictions, it is not sold in the EU for now.
2. Second-generation HomePod mini
As the first new hardware update for the HomePod in nearly three years, the HomePod mini is getting an upgrade.
- Hardware and Audio: Continuing the spherical design, it features the S10 chip and supports real-time computational audio to adjust dynamic range and volume. Four HomePod mini2 units can form a four-channel surround sound system with the new Apple TV4K, and environmental calibration is automatically performed (speakers must be used in pairs).
- Features and Price: Can be used as a Mac speaker or home hub. It supports voice recognition for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, as well as face recognition visitor announcements. The price is $149, available in five colors: pink, green, blue, white, and midnight black. It will be officially released on October 30.(Note: Siri AI is not supported initially; it will be added via updates in the future)
3. Fourth-generation Apple TV 4K
The new Apple TV 4K deeply integrates Siri AI with a full-screen TV interface.
- Performance Upgrade: Equipped with the A19 chip, CPU performance is up to 50% higher than the previous generation, GPU performance is up to 2 times higher, and a dedicated AV1 decoder has been added. The remote control now features a “Precise Search” function.
- Interactive Experience: Three built-in far-field microphones allow you to activate Siri without picking up the remote control. It supports complex sequential questions, and the query results are displayed in a small window, not blocking full-screen playback.
- Price and Release: The price is $299 (or $49.83 per month in installments), pre-sales have begun, and the official release is on November 13.
4. Apple Home Collection Smart Hardware Series
Apple has collaborated with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric to launch a series of smart devices featuring touch-based connection and native “home” app management.
- LG Smart Security Camera: Includes wired doorbell (249.95 US dollars), floodlight camera (399.95 US dollars), outdoor camera plugin (299.95 US dollars), and indoor camera (199.95 US dollars). It supports up to 2.5K recording, person and pet recognition, and can store historical footage for free for 10 days via iCloud+.
- LG Smart Door Lock: Sold for $349.95, supports Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, automatically unlocks when close, and can be used locally without an internet connection.
- Smart Thermostat and Sensors: Together with LG and Schneider Electric, they have introduced smart thermostats and temperature and humidity sensors with an “Adaptive Temperature” adjustment function.
- Launch Date: The series will be available starting in December. Apple retail stores in the US will also offer ADT professional paid installation services.