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Apple's New Smart Home Lineup: Siri AI Moves In

Apple's Smart Home Push: Siri AI Takes Center Stage

Apple isn't content letting Amazon and Google run the smart home anymore. At its "Welcome Home" event, the company unveiled four new products, all built around a seriously upgraded Siri AI—now powered by Apple Foundation Models. The goal? Make your living room feel less like a gadget showcase and more like a home that actually knows you.

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HomeView: The Display That Knows Your Face

Meet the Apple HomeView, the company's first smart display. It's a 7-inch Liquid Retina screen perched on an arched speaker base, with a stainless steel hinge that lets you tilt it just right. The magic is facial recognition for up to six people—walk up and it shows your personal widgets, messages, and calendar (as long as your iPhone or iPad is nearby and unlocked). Visitors get shared albums and music, so everyone feels welcome.

At $299, it comes in silver, starlight white, rose pink, and space gray. Pre-orders are live in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, India, and New Zealand, with a November 13 launch. Singapore gets it October 15. But if you're in the EU, you're out of luck for now—Apple's still wrestling with local iOS policies around Siri AI.

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HomePod mini (2nd Gen): Small Sphere, Big Sound

After three long years, the HomePod mini finally gets a refresh. The spherical design stays, but inside there's an S10 chip that brings computational audio for real-time dynamic range and volume tweaks. Pair four of them with the new Apple TV 4K and you've got a four-channel surround system that auto-calibrates your room (just remember to use them in pairs).

It doubles as a Mac speaker and home hub, and it can even recognize smoke or carbon monoxide alarms and announce visitors via face recognition. At $149, it comes in pink, green, blue, white, and midnight black, shipping October 30. One catch: Siri AI support won't arrive until a future update.

Apple TV 4K (4th Gen): Siri Without the Remote

The new Apple TV 4K puts Siri AI front and center on your TV. The A19 chip brings up to 50% faster CPU performance and double the GPU power, plus a dedicated AV1 decoder. The remote now has a "Precise Search" feature for finding stuff fast.

But the real story is the three far-field microphones—you can just say "Hey Siri" without grabbing the remote. Ask follow-up questions naturally, and results pop up in small windows so they don't block your movie. At $299 (or $49.83/month), pre-orders are open now, with a November 13 release.

Smart Home Accessories: Apple Teams Up with LG and Schneider

Apple also partnered with LG and Schneider Electric on a range of smart devices that work seamlessly with the Home app. Highlights include:

  • LG Smart Security Camera ($199.95–$399.95): Up to 2.5K recording, person and pet recognition, and free 10-day history via iCloud+.
  • LG Smart Door Lock ($349.95): Ultra-wideband tech unlocks as you approach, and it works offline.
  • Smart Thermostats and Sensors (with LG and Schneider): Adaptive temperature adjustments based on room conditions.

These launch starting in December, and US Apple Stores will offer professional installation through ADT.

Key Points

  • Apple's new Siri AI, built on Foundation Models, powers all four product lines.
  • HomeView smart display costs $299, launches November 13 (EU excluded for now).
  • HomePod mini (2nd gen) is $149, ships October 30, but Siri AI comes later via update.
  • Apple TV 4K (4th gen) is $299, features far-field mics and A19 chip.
  • Smart home accessories with LG and Schneider start at $199.95, available December.