Mark Gurman reported that Apple plans to unveil an all-new smart home hub, a second-generation HomePod mini, and a new Apple TV 4K model on October 13, the same date John Gruber earlier floated as a possible day for Apple to hand out iPhone Duo review units in person.
John Gruber had suggested Tuesday, October 13 as a date when reviewers might receive iPhone Duo units, and wrote that there is ‘no way’ Apple would unveil the home hub through a Newsroom post only. Gruber argued the device, which would ship with an all-new interface, ‘has to be unveiled with a keynote video and some sort of media event with hands-on demos.’
Apple Event and subsequent hands-on sessions
If the home hub requires a keynote video as Gruber says, that scenario would set the stage for an online-only Apple Event streamed on Apple.com and YouTube on October 13, followed by an in-person hands-on experience for selected media. That workflow would mirror October 2023, when Apple streamed an online event on October 30 and later allowed selected journalists and creators to go hands-on with the Macs announced that day.
During such a hands-on session this month, selected attendees could receive an iPhone Duo review unit, which would let Apple avoid shipping a first-of-its-kind iPhone through the mail ahead of its launch on Friday, October 23. Apple typically distributes review units about a week before a device launches, so the timing would align with an October 13 event.
For now the October 13 timing comes from the two reporters referenced above and remains unconfirmed by Apple. If there is an October 13 event, expect Apple to announce it by next week. In the meantime, mark your calendars, as it sounds like October 13 will be a big day for Apple.
