Apple HomePad Reportedly Set to Launch on October 13 With Siri AI

Apple’s long-rumored smart home device, often referred to as the HomePad, could finally be close to becoming a reality. According to a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is reportedly planning to introduce the device on October 13, 2026.

The HomePad is expected to be a new category for Apple, combining a touchscreen smart-home controller with speaker functionality and deeper Siri integration. The reported launch would also be accompanied by updates to the HomePod mini and Apple TV.

Apple HomePad Launch Date

The HomePad is reportedly scheduled to debut on October 13. Earlier reports only suggested that Apple’s smart-home hub would arrive sometime in October, but the latest Bloomberg-based report provides a specific date.

The reported launch is part of Apple’s broader push to expand its smart-home ecosystem, with the company expected to focus heavily on its upgraded Siri AI capabilities.

Apple has not officially confirmed the HomePad, its name, or the reported October 13 launch date, so these details should still be treated as rumors.

What Is the Apple HomePad?

The HomePad is reportedly a touchscreen smart-home hub designed to sit at the center of an Apple-powered smart home. The device is said to carry the J490 codename and could combine features found across Apple’s existing HomePod, iPad, Apple TV and HomeKit platforms.

Rather than being simply a smart speaker, the HomePad is expected to provide a visual interface for controlling connected devices and accessing various Apple services.

6-Inch Touchscreen Display

According to the current reports, the HomePad will feature a 6-inch display. It could be used either on a countertop or mounted directly on a wall.

The device is reportedly around as thick as an iPhone and may feature bezels reminiscent of older iPad models. A tabletop version is expected to use a metal base containing the speakers and microphones, with an arm supporting the display. The screen could also be tilted for a more convenient viewing angle.

Apple may also offer a wall-mounted configuration with a slimmer speaker and microphone base.

iMac G4-Inspired Design

One of the more interesting aspects of the rumored HomePad is its design. Reports suggest that the tabletop model could draw inspiration from Apple’s iconic iMac G4, particularly its rounded metal base and adjustable display support.

The design could allow the screen to be positioned at different angles while keeping the speaker and microphone hardware in the base.

The HomePad is reportedly expected to be available in a standard gray aluminum finish, although Apple could introduce additional colors later.

Siri AI at the Center

Siri AI is expected to play a major role in the HomePad experience. The device is reportedly being designed around Apple's newer AI-powered Siri capabilities, allowing users to interact with their smart home through voice commands as well as the touchscreen.

The renewed focus on Siri may also explain why Apple’s smart-home hardware has taken so long to arrive. Earlier reports indicated that Apple had delayed some Home products while working on its next-generation Siri experience.

What Can the HomePad Do?

Based on current reports, the HomePad could offer a broad range of functions, including:

• Smart-home device control
• Siri AI voice commands
• Music playback
• Video calls
• Photo slideshows
• Intercom-style communication
• Access to Apple-style apps
• Personalized information
• Voice and facial recognition
• Control of compatible HomeKit devices

The interface is reportedly expected to borrow elements from iOS and other Apple operating systems. For example, apps such as Messages could use a two-panel interface designed specifically for the larger screen.

No Built-In Battery Expected

Unlike an iPad, the HomePad reportedly will not include a built-in battery. Instead, it is expected to rely on a USB-C power connection, suggesting that Apple intends the device to remain in a fixed location in the home.

This approach could make sense for a device intended to function as a permanent smart-home control center.

HomePad Could Launch Alongside Other Home Products

The HomePad may not be the only new Apple home product arriving in October. Reports indicate that Apple could also introduce an updated HomePod mini and a refreshed Apple TV 4K around the same time.

The updated devices are also expected to take advantage of Apple's newer Siri AI capabilities.

The HomePod mini has not received a major hardware refresh since its original launch in 2020, while the current Apple TV hardware dates back to 2022, making both products candidates for an update.

Apple HomePad: What We Know So Far

Final Thoughts

The HomePad could represent Apple's biggest expansion into smart-home hardware in years. Instead of competing solely as a smart speaker, the rumored device appears designed to combine a touchscreen interface, speaker system, Siri AI and smart-home controls in one product.

The reported October 13, 2026 launch date is more specific than previous rumors, but Apple has yet to officially confirm the device or its release schedule.

If the reports prove accurate, the HomePad could become the centerpiece of Apple's broader smart-home strategy, particularly as the company continues developing its AI-powered Siri experience.