Apple introduced the HomeView smart home hub, updated HomePod mini, and new Apple TV 4K. The company also announced the Apple Home Collection, a line of accessories co-developed with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
Apple announced a new lineup of smart home products on October 13, 2026, headlined by the HomeView hub, a second-generation HomePod mini, and a fourth-generation Apple TV 4K. The company also unveiled the Apple Home Collection, a suite of accessories developed in collaboration with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric.
The HomeView is a new smart home hub featuring a 7-inch Liquid Retina display. It is available in two versions: a tabletop model and a wall-mounted model, both priced at $299. The tabletop version comes in silver, starlight, rose pink, and space gray, while the wall-mounted version is available in space gray and silver.
According to Apple, the device uses facial recognition to identify up to six household members, providing each with a personalized home screen, apps, and notifications. The hub integrates with Siri AI, FaceTime, and smart home controls. It is not initially available for sale in the European Union because Siri AI is currently unavailable in iOS in that region.
Preorders for the HomeView opened on October 13, with availability beginning November 13.
Apple refreshed its HomePod mini speaker, now called the HomePod mini 2, with a new S10 chip and a price tag of $149. This is $50 more than the original model launched in 2020. The new speaker is available in pink, green, blue, white, and midnight. While it supports smart home controls and audio features like "Sound Glow," Apple says Siri AI integration will arrive through a future software update without a specified release date.
The fourth-generation Apple TV 4K also launched at $299, with availability starting November 13. It features the A19 chip, which Apple says provides up to 50% faster CPU performance and twice the GPU performance of the previous generation. The device includes three built-in far-field microphones for hands-free Siri commands and supports a four-speaker surround sound system when paired with compatible HomePod speakers.
The Apple Home Collection includes cameras, thermostats, sensors, a video doorbell, and a smart lock. These accessories are designed to work seamlessly with the Apple Home app, requiring no separate accounts or apps for setup.
The lineup features products from LG Electronics and Schneider Electric. Key items and their starting prices include:
The LG Smart Deadbolt Lock uses Ultra Wideband technology to unlock automatically when a user with a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch approaches. The cameras offer up to 2.5K video resolution and store encrypted footage in iCloud+ plans. Apple states that data is encrypted end-to-end, meaning neither Apple, LG Electronics, nor Schneider Electric can access it.
Availability for the Apple Home Collection begins in December, with select accessories arriving in early 2027.
Apple’s expansion into the smart home market with dedicated hardware like the HomeView marks a significant shift from its previous reliance on third-party accessories and the HomePod. By partnering with established manufacturers like LG and Schneider Electric, Apple aims to offer a more integrated and privacy-focused ecosystem. The launch also places Apple in direct competition with Amazon and Google, which have long dominated the smart home hub and assistant market. The success of these products will depend on consumer adoption of the new Siri AI features and the perceived value of the integrated hardware ecosystem.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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