Apple has another date circled on the calendar.
Greg Joswiak has just teased an October 13 launch with two very Apple words:
“Welcome home.”
And, well, that narrows things down rather nicely.
After months of rumours surrounding Apple’s next big push into the smart home, it looks like we’re finally about to see what the company has been working on.
Apple is expected to introduce an entirely new home hub — reportedly a roughly six-inch display designed to live permanently in the home — alongside updated versions of the HomePod mini and Apple TV. (MacRumors)
But the interesting bit may actually be what sits around those products.
Recent reports have pointed towards a new generation of Apple Home accessories, with Apple working alongside partners including LG on products such as smart locks, doorbells, thermostats and cameras. (The Verge)
In other words, Apple may finally be ready to turn Apple Home into something considerably bigger than an app sitting on your iPhone.
And the timing is rather fascinating.
John Ternus has only just taken over as Apple’s CEO. The iPhone 18 family and iPhone Duo have already taken their turn in the spotlight. Now Apple appears ready to start building out another part of the ecosystem — one that has been conspicuously quiet for years.
The teaser itself is suitably cryptic. A stitched Apple logo, a date, and the words:
Welcome home.
No product names. No clever tagline explaining everything. Just enough to get the speculation machine running.
And with the event landing only ten days before iPhone Duo reaches customers, Apple clearly isn’t finished with its 2026 product story yet.
October 13 could be the beginning of a very different Apple Home.
Welcome home, indeed.