It's now confirmed: Apple is hosting an event in New York on October 13th. The theme leaves little doubt as to what it will be about – and is reminiscent of an advertising film Apple used years ago to showcase a speaker.
The date had been rumored since the end of September: the unveiling of HomePad, HomePod mini, and Apple TV 4K was expected on October 13th. Apple confirmed it on October 8th. Marketing chief Greg Joswiak posted a short teaser on Apple's X platform with the words "Welcome home. October 13th." Simultaneously, invitations were sent out to the media.
On the same day, the embargo period also ended for the boxes that had arrived at the Apple Stores at the beginning of October.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Apple has announced an event for Tuesday, October 13th, under the motto "Welcome home".
- According to the invitation, it starts at 9 a.m. local time in New York, which is 3 p.m. in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
- The location is a specially set up Apple room in the Tribeca district.
- The HomePad, a new HomePod mini, and a new Apple TV 4K are expected.
Date and time
The press invitation specifies Tuesday, October 13th, at 9:00 AM Eastern Time. Because the switch to winter time in Europe doesn't occur until October 25th and in the US on November 1st, the time difference on that day is six hours.
| Location | Time on October 13th |
|---|---|
| new York | 9:00 AM |
| Germany, Austria, Switzerland | 3:00 PM |
Guests will be received in Tribeca, a district in southern Manhattan, where Apple is setting up special rooms for media representatives.
Welcome home. October 13. https://t.co/ChelGSDOTI
— Greg Joswiak (@gregjoz) October 8, 2026
A motto with a history
"Welcome home" isn't a new phrase for Apple. In 2018, it was the title of a short film for the HomePod, directed by Spike Jonze and featuring musician FKA twigs. The new motto thus ties in with the commercial Apple used to promote the first HomePod.
The teaser itself shows two people embroidering an Apple logo in about 17 seconds. No products are visible.
What to expect on October 13th
According to previous reports, three devices for the home are the focus:
- HomePad: a control center with a display for Apple Home, designed to fit between the iPad and HomePod.
- HomePod mini: new colors and faster chips
- Apple TV 4K: new chip, more RAM and Apple's own N1 wireless chip
The motto is the only official indication of the content so far. There were several indications that it would be presented as a keynote address, and the meeting in New York with local media supports this.
The home will have its own appointment
I believe the decision to hold a separate event sends a stronger signal than the motto itself. Apple could have updated the HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K via press release. An event in New York with media present suggests that the HomePod is intended to be its own product category, not just an accessory.
For buyers of an Apple TV or HomePod mini, it's worth waiting until after October 13th anyway.
Which of the three expected devices would you be most likely to buy – or will your home remain just a speaker and TV even after the event? Let us know your prediction in the comments.
