Apple announces surprise ‘Welcome home’ launch event

<figure> <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="Image: Apple" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/10/Untitled-1-copy.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Apple has just announced a new October event, taking place in New York on October 13th at 9AM ET. The event company is rumored to be launching smart home-focused products this month, and the event invite hints that'll be the case: Apple is using the tagline <a href="https://x.com/gregjoz/status/2108226096407994858">"Welcome home."</a></p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome home. October 13. <a href="https://t.co/ChelGSDOTI">pic.twitter.com/ChelGSDOTI</a></p>- Greg Joswiak (@gregjoz) <a href="https://x.com/gregjoz/status/2108226096407994858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2026</a></blockquote> </div></figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">At the event, Apple <a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/1002563/apple-smart-home-hub-homepad-rumor-launch-date">is rumored</a> to announce products including a smart home hub with a display, an updated HomePod Mini, a new Apple TV. The company is also reportedly <a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/1006238/apple-lg-homekit-rumor-fcc">teaming up with LG</a> on new smart home devices that will launch at the event, including a video doorbell, thermo …</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/1008039/apple-smart-home-event-october-13th">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>