- Reports say Apple is preparing a 6-inch square touchscreen hub that can hang on a wall or sit on a table, and that it can tell users apart by voice or facial recognition to show their contacts and calendar. This is a forecast from reporter Mark Gurman, not a confirmed announcement.
- The new operating system, homeOS, is reportedly centered on controlling home devices such as thermostats and smart locks, and it can also make FaceTime calls. Reports say this hub will not have an App Store.
- The HomePod mini and Apple TV are reportedly keeping their current designs, with a new processor for Siri AI processing. The HomePod mini is said to get new colors, including green and pink, and the Apple TV is expected to get its first hardware update since 2022.
- Partner devices such as LG smart locks and thermostats may also be mentioned at the event. The source says LG devices were already leaked, and it notes that this information is also based on rumors and leaks.
The design caught my eye: the hub would tell who is speaking by face or voice and then show that person's schedule and contacts. When several people use the hub in the same living room and recognition gets mixed up, the article does not say how it prevents one person's information from being exposed to others, and I'm curious about that. If your family shares the home, it's worth checking this part yourself.