Apple's new HomeView underwent regulatory testing in October 2024, and it was running what would now be known as HomeView software version 18, according to an FCC document uncovered by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris.

The document provides the clearest evidence yet that the HomeView was held up due to Siri AI's delayed launch. Apple initially previewed the more intelligent version of Siri at WWDC 2024, but in March 2025 the company announced that it needed more time to get it ready. Siri AI finally launched this September.
This article, "Apple's Long-Delayed HomeView Was Already Being Tested in 2024" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The free Apple Invites app for the iPhone was updated today with two new features: hosts can now more easily manually add guests to an event and mark their RSVP status, and the app's Home Screen widget now supports the extra large size option.


Released in February 2025, the Apple Invites app makes it easy to invite people to events, such as birthday parties and baby showers. The ability to create an event in the app requires subscribing to an iCloud+ plan with at least 50GB of storage for $0.99 per month, but anyone who receives an event link can RSVP for free on any device.

Apple's full release notes for version 1.12.1 of the app:

• Hosts can now more easily manually add guests to the event and mark their RSVP status, so your guest list stays accurate even when someone confirms outside the app.

• Invites widget now supports the extra large size to give you more options to countdown on your Home Screen.

• This update contains bug fixes and performance improvements.

The update is available now in the App Store.
This article, "Apple Invites App Updated With Two New Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple Del Amo in Torrance (Los Angeles area) has been temporarily closed for a few days, and Apple has now added the following notice to the store's page: "We'll be right back. Our store is temporarily closed due to events beyond our control."

According to Reddit comments, the store allegedly suffered extensive water damage following a roof leak in the shopping mall.
This article, "Apple Store Near Los Angeles Closed Due to 'Events Beyond Our Control'" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Update – 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time: CNET has corrected its article and now says only the HomePod mini 2 will support Siri AI. Original article follows.

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Siri AI will apparently not be limited to the new HomePod mini 2, with support also coming to the first-generation HomePod mini in a software update later this year, according to a report today from CNET's Jeff Carlson.


"The HomePod Mini 2 also gets a faster S10 processor, which should help with processing Siri AI requests," he said. "However, the current S5-powered HomePod Mini will also get Siri AI compatibility later this year, along with updates to iOS 27.2."

Fine print on Apple's website does not mention this detail, at least as far as we have seen, so we have reached out to the company for comment.

For the Apple TV 4K, Apple's fine print did mention that Siri AI support will extend back to the second-generation Apple TV 4K from 2021, but we have not found any explicit fine print mention about Siri AI coming to the HomePod mini (1st generation).

Apple said setting up Siri AI on the HomePod mini 2 will require a paired iPhone or iPad model with Apple Intelligence support.

A paired device iPhone or iPad with Apple Intelligence support is also required for any requests involving a user's personal context, according to Apple. However, once Siri AI is enabled on the HomePod mini, the company said that even users without an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad can access Siri AI's broad world knowledge, richer and more natural conversations, and improved music discovery.

HomePod mini 2 launches on Friday, October 30, with pre-orders underway. It has an S10 chip, up from the S5 chip in the previous model.
This article, "No, HomePod Mini 1 Won't Support Siri AI as CNET Reported" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple's tech specs page for its all-new HomeView smart home hub contains a list of all of the built-in Apple apps available on the device.


While it has no App Store, the HomeView can also display CarPlay-enabled audio and video apps from a paired iPhone. This includes Audiobooks, Apple Music Classical, Apple News, and Apple TV, along with third-party apps such as Spotify, according to WIRED.

The full list of built-in Apple apps on the HomeView:

• Alarms


• Calendar


• FaceTime


• Find My


• Home


• Intercom


• Messages


• Music


• Podcasts


• Reminders


• Safari


• Settings


• Timers


• Weather


• World Clock

CarPlay-enabled apps from iPhone available on HomeView:

• Apple Music Classical


• Apple News


• Apple TV


• Audiobooks


• "Supported third-party audio and video apps" such as Spotify

The latest version of the Apple Developer Program agreement confirms the availability of certain CarPlay apps and widgets on the HomeView.

HomeView is available to pre-order now and launches Friday, November 13.
This article, "Apple HomeView Has These 15 Apps, Some CarPlay Apps and Widgets Also Supported" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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We just published Apple's list of iPhone Duo repair fees for customers without AppleCare+ coverage, and we want to bring extra attention to two of the fees in particular: a new cover layer costs $49, and a replacement battery is $229.

Apple's vice president of hardware engineering Kate Bergeron revealed that the iPhone Duo's nano-texture cover layer above the inner display can be removed and replaced. A new one is $19 with AppleCare+ and $49 without.
This article, "iPhone Duo: Apple Charging $49 for New Cover Layer, $229 for Battery" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today listed its estimated repair fees for the iPhone Duo without AppleCare+ coverage, with the maximum fee in the U.S. for "other damage" set at $1,499.


If you only damage certain parts of the iPhone Duo, the fees are more manageable. For example, the repair fee for damaged back glass is set at $199.

If you eventually want to replace the battery in your iPhone Duo, that will cost you $229.

As we previously reported, Apple said the iPhone Duo's nano-texture cover layer above the inner display can be removed and replaced, and now we know that Apple will be charging $49 for a cover layer replacement without AppleCare+ coverage.

Here is Apple's full list of iPhone Duo repair fees without AppleCare+ coverage:

• Cover layer damage: $49


• Back glass damage: $199


• Battery service: $229


• Rear camera damage: $229


• Outer display damage: $379


• Outer display and back glass damage: $509


• Inner display damage: $999


• Other damage: $1,499

iPhone Duo repair fees with AppleCare+ coverage were already known, but the fees without AppleCare+ coverage were finally disclosed today.

Here are Apple's fees if you have AppleCare+ coverage for your iPhone Duo, which costs $19.99 per month, $199.99 per year, or $399 upfront:

• Battery service below 80% capacity: $0


• Cover layer damage: $19


• Back glass damage: $29


• Outer display damage: $29


• Inner display damage: $99


• Other accidental damage: $99


• Theft or loss: $149

iPhone Duo pre-orders begin this Friday, October 16. The device launches Friday, October 23.
This article, "iPhone Duo: Skipping AppleCare+ Could Be $1,499 Mistake" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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An addendum to our report about the HomePod mini 2 working as a default speaker on all Mac models with Wi-Fi 6E and later: Apple says this ability extends to the full-sized HomePod 2.

Apple's fine print for HomePods as default Mac speakers says "compatible with HomePod mini 2 and HomePod (2nd generation) with support on all Mac desktops and laptops with Wi-Fi 6E or later."
This article, "Apple Says HomePod 2 Also Works as Default Speaker With Select Macs" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple this week introduced the HomePod mini 2, and we have rounded up all of the new features and changes that we have uncovered so far below.


HomePod mini 2 can be pre-ordered now and launches Friday, October 30, but Siri AI support will not be available until a future software update.

Here is what is new with the HomePod mini 2:

• Siri AI support is coming in a future software update, with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad required for requests involving your personal context.


• S10 chip, up from the S5 chip for the previous model. It is unclear if this chip upgrade enables computational audio improvements.


• Wi-Fi 6E support, up from Wi-Fi 4 for the previous model.


• Bluetooth 6 support, up from Bluetooth 5 for the previous model.


• Default audio output support on Macs with Wi-Fi 6E and later.


• Sound Glow: the top area glows and pulses in sync with the music playing.


• Four-speaker surround sound with the new Apple TV 4K: connect four HomePod mini 2 speakers in front and rear pairs.


• Three microphones for Siri, down from four in the previous model.


• Two all-new color options: green and pink.


• While it is the most minor of differences, the HomePod mini 2's listed weight is 3% lower than the previous model.


• A price increase. In the U.S., the HomePod mini 2 is priced at $149. The previous model was initially $99 and later $129.

This article, "HomePod Mini 2: All the New Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today added the 12-inch MacBook (2017), iPad (6th generation), and BeatsX headphones to the obsolete products list on its website.


Apple considers a product to be obsolete once seven years have passed since it last distributed the product for sale, including to resellers.

Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers are instructed to discontinue hardware service for obsolete products and generally cannot order parts for these products as a result. However, Apple says MacBooks may remain eligible for battery replacements for up to 10 years after distribution ended, subject to parts availability.

Apple discontinued the Intel-based 12-inch MacBook entirely in 2019, and it has yet to offer a sub-13-inch MacBook model with Apple silicon.
This article, "Apple Says These Products Are Now Obsolete" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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If you damage Apple's new HomeView smart home hub, here is what the repair fees are set at: $39 with AppleCare+ coverage and $279 without. These fees apply to any type of damage to either the tabletop or wall-mounted HomeView models.

In the U.S., AppleCare+ coverage for the HomeView is priced at $2.49 per month or $24.99 per year until canceled, or you can opt to add the device to the AppleCare One bundle, which starts at $19.99 per month.
This article, "Apple's HomeView Repair Fees Revealed" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today introduced the HomePod mini 2, but the full-sized HomePod was not updated. Nevertheless, the alt text for Apple's full-sized HomePod image shown at the bottom of the HomePod order page now mentions a "multi-colored Siri AI glow on top," suggesting that the larger HomePod might eventually gain support for Siri AI.


Of course, it is also possible that Apple simply made an error.

The new HomePod mini 2 will feature Siri AI, but not right away, with support set to arrive in a "future software update." Apple did not provide a timeframe for the update. Siri AI on the HomePod mini 2 will require a paired iPhone or iPad model that supports Apple Intelligence for requests that involve a user's personal context.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously reported that Apple planned to update the full-sized HomePod "eventually." Siri AI support might end up being limited to a new model of the speaker, but Apple's plans are unknown at this time.
This article, "Will the Full-Sized HomePod Get Siri AI? Apple's Website Offers a Clue" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The new HomePod mini 2 can be used as a default speaker on all Mac models with Wi-Fi 6E or later, according to Apple. You can use a single HomePod, or a pair for stereo sound.

The previous-generation HomePod mini can also be used as a Mac's speaker via AirPlay, but it cannot be set as the default audio output. AirPlay can also introduce audio latency.
This article, "HomePod Mini 2 Works as Default Speaker With Select Macs" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The new Apple TV 4K and updated Siri Remote unveiled today have quite a few new features, as outlined in our all-in-one summary below.


Here are 11 changes coming with the new Apple TV:

• A19 chip, for up to 50% faster CPU performance and up to twice as fast graphics performance compared to the previous model with the A15 chip.


• 8GB of RAM is very likely, up from 4GB of RAM in the previous model. However, this spec still needs to be confirmed.


• Siri AI support, with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad required for questions involving a user's personal context. Siri AI will also be available on the second-generation and third-generation Apple TV 4K models released in 2021 and 2022 on tvOS 27.2 and later, according to Apple.


• Three built-in far-field microphones for hands-free Siri AI voice control, but you can continue to use the Siri Remote if you prefer.


• Surround sound functionality with four HomePods — either four HomePod mini 2 speakers or matching front and rear pairs of HomePod mini 2 and full-sized HomePod 2 speakers. All previous models remain limited to two HomePods.


• Wi-Fi 7 support, up from Wi-Fi 6 for the previous model.


• Bluetooth 6 support, up from Bluetooth 5 for the previous model.


• AV1 and VP9 video support.


• There is now only a single 128GB configuration with an Ethernet port. The previous model also had a 64GB/Wi-Fi-only model.


• The white status light has been centered on the front edge of the Apple TV 4K.


• The new model is around 1% heavier than the previous model. (Hey, it counts).

Here are three changes coming with the new Siri Remote:

• Find My and Precision Finding support, making it easier to find the remote if it is misplaced. Precision Finding support for the Siri Remote requires an iPhone 17 or newer (excluding the iPhone 17e), iPhone Air, or iPhone Duo.


• A built-in speaker that can play a sound to help you locate it.


• The new remote is around 6% heavier than the previous version.

The new Apple TV 4K and Siri Remote can both be pre-ordered starting today and launch Friday, November 13. In the U.S., the new Apple TV is priced at $299 and includes the new Siri Remote. The updated remote is also available separately for $59 and is compatible with all Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD models released since 2015.
This article, "New Apple TV 4K and Siri Remote Have These 14 New Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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MacRumors was first to reveal the name "HomeView" last week, after discovering a trademark filing from a secretive shell company that we correctly suspected was linked to Apple.

Apple was likely behind a "homeOS" trademark filing as well, but the company ultimately decided to stick with generic "HomeView software" naming, just like it refers to the HomePod's operating system as "HomePod software." For example, the device will ship with "HomeView software version 27.2."
This article, "RIP, homeOS" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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As was rumored prior to today's announcements, the new Apple TV 4K can connect to up to four HomePods in front-left, front-right, rear-left, and rear-right positions, enabling an all-Apple surround sound system for home theater setups.


You can connect four of the new HomePod mini 2 speakers to the new Apple TV 4K, or you can mix and match pairs of HomePod mini 2 and full-sized HomePod 2 speakers, so long as the front and rear pairs of speakers match. For example, you can have two full-sized HomePod 2 speakers up front and two HomePod mini 2 speakers in the rear.

Apple is relying on computational audio. The company says the four HomePods and the new Apple TV 4K can "intelligently recognize each speaker's position in the room, so audio timing and levels are automatically calibrated to the space."

All previous Apple TV 4K models remain limited to two HomePods for stereo sound.

The new Apple TV 4K is available to pre-order starting today and launches Friday, November 13. In the U.S., pricing is set at $299, with only a single configuration with 128GB of storage, Wi-Fi 7 support, and an Ethernet port available.
This article, "New Apple TV 4K Supports Surround Sound via Four HomePods" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Siri AI support on the new HomePod mini 2 will be "available later" as part of a "future software update," according to Apple. In other words, do not expect Siri AI to be available on the speaker when it launches on Friday, October 30.

Siri AI on the HomePod mini 2 will require an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad for requests involving personal context.
This article, "Apple Says HomePod Mini 2 Won't Support Siri AI Right Away" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The new Siri Remote unveiled today is compatible with all Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K models released since 2015, according to Apple.


The fourth-generation Siri Remote released today is available to order on Apple's online store for November 13 delivery, with U.S. pricing set at $59.

The full list of compatible models:

• Apple TV 4K (4th generation)


• Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)


• Apple TV 4K (2nd generation)


• Apple TV 4K (1st generation)


• Apple TV HD

The key change with the new Siri Remote is full support for the Find My app and the Precision Finding feature, allowing you to find the exact location of the remote if it goes missing by following the on-screen directional arrows on a compatible iPhone. The remote now has a speaker that can play a sound to help you locate it.

Apple says Precision Finding support for the new Siri Remote requires an iPhone Duo, iPhone Air, or an iPhone 17 or later (excluding the iPhone 17e).

The remote has the same overall design, buttons, and USB-C charging port.
This article, "New Siri Remote is $59 and Compatible With These Apple TV Models" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today announced that ADT will offer professional in-home installation of its all-new wall-mounted HomeView smart home hub, confirming our scoop.


ADT technicians will be able to install the wall-mounted version of the HomeView, the new collection of related Apple Home Collection smart home accessories from LG and Schneider Home, and other eligible smart home accessories in "most areas" of the U.S., according to Apple's website. More details are available on ADT's website.

The wall-mounted HomeView is available in space gray and silver. It has the same 7-inch display as the tabletop version, and there are speaker holes on the bottom edge. It can be attached to a wall using three purpose-built mounts from Schneider Home, with options for self-installation or professional installation for an additional charge.

Apple said ADT installation services will be available in the U.S. "starting this fall."

In the U.S., both the tabletop and wall-mounted HomeView models are priced at $299.
This article, "ADT to Offer In-Home Installation of Apple's New HomeView and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The new Apple TV 4K announced today is even more expensive than the previous model, with U.S. pricing set at $299.

The new Apple TV 4K only has a single configuration available with 128GB of storage, Wi-Fi 7, and an Ethernet port. The previous model had two separate configurations that were most recently priced at $199 and $249 in the U.S. following an earlier price increase. All in all, the Apple TV 4K's starting price has now gone from $129 to $299 this year.
This article, "Apple TV 4K is Now Even More Expensive, 128GB Model Priced at $299" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today announced the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, with key features including an A19 chip, Siri AI support, an updated Siri Remote that has Find My support with Precision Finding, built in far-field microphones, and more.


Siri AI is a more personalized and intelligent version of Siri powered by Apple Intelligence. The new Apple TV 4K has three far-field microphones that allow users to talk to Siri in a hands-free manner, but the updated Siri Remote still has a microphone and a Siri button on its side if you prefer to use the assistant that way.

The status light is now centered on the front of the Apple TV 4K, but otherwise it has no obvious external design changes compared to the previous model.

The updated Siri Remote now supports the Precision Finding feature in the Find My app, making it easier to find. The remote now has a speaker built into it, allowing you to play a sound through the Find My app to help with locating it. The remote's overall design has not changed, and it still has a USB-C charging port.

The new Apple TV 4K can be pre-ordered starting today and launches on Friday, November 13. In the U.S., pricing is set at $299, with only a single configuration available now with 128GB of storage, Wi-Fi 7 support, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. The device is also equipped with a rear HDMI 2.1 port and supports Bluetooth 6.


This article, "New Apple TV 4K Announced With A19 Chip, Updated Siri Remote, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple has launched a new "Switch to Safari" marketing campaign that encourages Chrome users to switch to Safari as their web browser of choice on the Mac.


"Safari is a more powerful and private browser than Chrome," says Apple.

Apple has a new "Switch to Safari" page on its website that outlines more than 10 reasons that Chrome users should switch to Safari, including faster performance for certain tasks, privacy features, and less battery life consumption.

Apple has shared two related YouTube videos that promote Safari's Intelligent Tracking Prevention and Distraction Control features.

Head to the "Switch to Safari" page to learn more.

The videos are embedded below.



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Apple on Monday announced Remnants, an immersive horror film that will be released exclusively on the Vision Pro on Friday, October 16.


The film will be in the Apple Immersive Video format, meaning it will be a 3D video recorded in 8K resolution with a 180-degree field of view and Spatial Audio.

Apple shared a short video of people reacting to the film while wearing the Vision Pro.

"Watch as they step inside Woldmere Castle and enter the unsettling world created by writer and director Ti West," said Apple.
This article, "Apple Unveils Immersive Horror Film Coming Exclusively to Vision Pro" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple plans to unveil the HomeView, a HomePod mini 2, and an updated Apple TV 4K as part of its "Welcome home" launch today.


The devices will likely be unveiled in press releases shared on the Apple Newsroom website at around 9 a.m. Eastern Time today, as that is when Apple's private "Welcome home" experience in New York begins. At the experience, invited reporters and content creators will likely receive hands-on time with the devices.

Here are some photos shared by guests who have arrived to Apple's space in New York.



The new HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K models will reportedly launch on Friday, October 30, while the HomeView is apparently not launching until mid-November.

The all-new HomeView smart home hub will be available in a tabletop version with a speaker base made of metal, as well as a wall-mounted version with a flat, square wall plate. The device is designed for managing smart home accessories, home security, photo galleries, calendar appointments, music playback, FaceTime video calls, and more.

The device will be ideal for the kitchen, bedroom, and living room, and it will reportedly have multi-user support for families.

The hub reportedly has a 6-inch square display, and an A18 chip for Apple Intelligence, with Siri AI expected to be a tentpole feature. A new operating system — potentially named "homeOS" — will feature clock faces, widgets, and more.

The tabletop HomeView will be available in four finishes: Gray, Silver, Starlight, and Rose. The wall-mounted version will be limited to Gray and Silver.

HomeView will have a selection of Apple apps, but no App Store for third-party apps.

HomeView will be accompanied by an "Apple Home Collection" of accessories that brands such as LG and Schneider Electric developed in partnership with Apple. This will include a smart doorbell, deadbolt lock, thermostat, temperature sensor, indoor and outdoor security cameras, and a floodlight camera.

The new HomePod mini is rumored to be equipped with the Apple Watch Series 10's S10 chip, up from the S5 chip in the current version of the speaker released in 2020. A range of new color options leaked, too, including pink and green.

The new Apple TV 4K is rumored to have an A19 chip, Siri AI support, and an updated Siri Remote with a built-in speaker that makes it easier to find. In addition, the device will likely receive an Apple-designed N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 support.
This article, "Apple's Next Launch is Today: 'Welcome Home' in New York" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple is planning to invite content creators to a two-day product showcase in Los Angeles on October 27 and October 28, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.


Do not expect a traditional Apple Event with a live-streamed video on either of those days, as Gurman said that these will be "experiences" for content creators, similar to one that Apple is holding in New York this Tuesday, October 13.

The following four products are expected to be announced on or around Tuesday, October 27:

• 14" and 16" MacBook Pro models with OLED displays: A major MacBook Pro redesign with an OLED display, touchscreen support, M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, a Dynamic Island, a "significantly lighter" design, and potentially Apple's C1X or C2 modem for built-in cellular connectivity.


• 24" iMac: M6 chip and new color options.


• 14" MacBook Pro: M6 chip.
• iPad mini 8: OLED display, A20 Pro chip, landscape front camera, redesigned speaker system, and water-resistant design.

Apple previously announced that it will be releasing a Mac Studio with 512GB of RAM in "late October," so expect that around the same time.

This will likely be Apple's final major launch in 2026, according to Gurman.

In the meantime, Apple is expected to unveil an all-new HomeView smart home hub, a HomePod mini 2, and an updated Apple TV 4K on Tuesday, October 13.
This article, "Apple Plans Two-Day Event to Showcase Trio of New Macs and iPad Mini" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Beats today shared a short video teasing a new collaboration with Pokémon, and it appears this will be for a Pikachu-themed Beats Pill speaker.


"Time to catch something new," the video title says. The short clip shows a Beats Pill speaker and Beats and Poké Ball icons side by side.

Earlier this month, Pokémon content creator BritBratTV shared two photos of an alleged Pikachu-themed Beats Pill speaker box at U.S. retailer Target, so that is likely what this teaser video is for. A release date has yet to be disclosed.


Apple re-released the Beats Pill in 2024, after discontinuing the previous version in 2022. In the U.S., the Bluetooth speaker is regularly priced at $149.99.

Pikachu visited Apple Park in August.
This article, "Apple and Pokémon Tease Special Pikachu-Themed Beats Pill Speaker" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today announced it is Indie Games Week on the App Store, in celebration of the "incredible catalog of imaginative games made by independent teams with big dreams."

Apple said seven acclaimed indie games are debuting on the App Store. No Man's Sky will be making its mobile debut on iPhone and iPad on October 28, and the six other games are Sifu, Vampire Crawlers, Little Kitty, Big City, 9 Kings, Dome Keeper, and Yes, Your Grace 2: Snowfall.
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Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today reported that new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini models will be unveiled on Tuesday, October 13 and launch on Friday, October 30.

In a follow-up video, Gurman said he was told that both devices should be available to pre-order starting this week.
This article, "New Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini 2 Pre-Orders Expected to Begin This Week" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Just two days before Apple's "Welcome home" experience in New York, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has leaked several details about the new products set to be unveiled, including an all-new smart home hub, a HomePod mini 2, and a new Apple TV 4K.


Here is an all-in-one summary of the details shared by Gurman:

• Apple's home hub with a touch-enabled display will be named HomeView, seemingly confirming a trademark filing discovered by MacRumors.


• HomeView is equipped with an A18 chip, which has 8GB of RAM in iPhones.


• HomeView will support Siri AI for voice control.


• HomeView will be available in a tabletop version with a speaker base made of metal, as well as a wall-mounted version with a flat, square wall plate.


• The tabletop HomeView will offer "better sound quality" than the HomePod mini.


• The tabletop HomeView will be available in four finishes: Gray, Silver, Starlight, and Rose. The wall-mounted version will be limited to Gray and Silver.


• HomeView will be unveiled this Tuesday, October 13, but the device is apparently not launching until "around mid-November."


• HomeView will have a selection of Apple apps, but no App Store for third-party apps.


• HomeView will be accompanied by an "Apple Home Collection" of accessories that brands such as LG and Schneider Electric developed in partnership with Apple. This will include a smart doorbell, deadbolt lock, thermostat, temperature sensor, indoor and outdoor security cameras, and a floodlight camera.


• LG's accessories for the HomeView will not ship "until later this year at the earliest."


• The new HomePod mini will be equipped with the Apple Watch Series 10's S10 chip, up from the S5 chip in the current model.


• The new HomePod mini will be available in green, pink, blue, white, and midnight.


• The new Apple TV 4K will be equipped with an A19 chip, which has 8GB of RAM.


• The new Apple TV 4K may have built-in microphones for Siri AI.


• The new Apple TV 4K may have an updated Siri Remote with a built-in speaker that makes it easier to find.


• The new HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K models will be unveiled on October 13 and launch on Friday, October 30.

This article, "New Apple TV 4K, HomeView, and HomePod Mini: 16 Details Just Leaked" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple may be planning to announce a new partnership with home security company ADT, alongside the introduction of its all-new smart home hub, according to several clues.


First and foremost, ADT has been posting "Low Voltage Technician" job listings in various U.S. cities since around July, but those hired for the position so far have been provided with very few details about their specific responsibilities. Some of the new hires said they have primarily been shadowing other ADT technicians while they await further information. In addition, some of the employees and their managers said they signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) related to the role. This level of secrecy is typical for something involving Apple.

Second, ADT has provided these new hires with an iPhone 17 Pro for work, whereas it typically provides other technicians with Android devices.

Third, some of the new hires said ADT finally plans to share more details about the role later this month, so the company may be waiting for Apple to announce its smart home hub on Tuesday. Apple is also expected to unveil an ecosystem of third-party smart home accessories it developed in partnership with brands such as LG.

One of the new hires said ADT initially planned to provide details about the role in September, but later delayed this timeframe until October. This would be consistent with reports that Apple has postponed the announcement of its home hub multiple times, as Siri AI was not ready. The revamped version of Siri finally launched last month.

In addition to Siri AI, the home hub will reportedly offer smart home accessory management, home security monitoring, photo faces and galleries, an overview of calendar appointments, music playback, FaceTime video calling, and more. The hub will reportedly be available in a tabletop version with a speaker base and a wall-mounted version.

Some of the new hires who asked their managers about the secretive role were told that it will apparently relate to home automation and in-home installation services, so perhaps Apple will announce an option for customers to have an ADT technician professionally install the wall-mounted home hub or the related accessories from LG.

It is unclear if Apple's partnership with ADT would extend to home security monitoring.

ADT already reached a home security partnership with Google in 2023, but it reportedly dropped some features that it offered on Google Nest devices earlier this year. A person familiar with the matter told us that ADT's exclusivity agreement with Google recently expired and is not set to be renewed, with Google now turning to AT&T. If so, then it would pave the way for ADT to reach a partnership with another tech giant: Apple.

Apple is expected to unveil its smart home hub on Tuesday, October 13, so it might announce details about a partnership with ADT then, if there is going to be one. However, keep in mind that a potential partnership between Apple and ADT is still just a rumor for now, and all of these clues could prove to be one big coincidence.
This article, "Rumor: Apple to Announce New Partnership With ADT" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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