Apple readies its stores for new smart home products
What's the story
Apple is revamping the "Avenues" section of its retail stores, a move that signals the launch of its long-rumored Siri-powered HomePod products. The Avenues, located on the outer edge along far walls, usually display accessories and devices that aren't part of Apple's main iPhone, iPad, and Mac lines. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, these changes are part of a larger strategy to introduce new smart home hardware.
Retail strategy
Apple is rearranging stores to make room for new products
Apple's retail teams are said to be rearranging and expanding the Avenues, making room for all of Apple's new products.
While this isn't unusual for Apple given its launch schedule, the scale of these changes suggests something new is on the horizon.
Gurman speculates that this could be in preparation for a device known as Home Hub, a central port of call for a smart home network.
Device details
Home Hub will be a new device category
The Home Hub is expected to be a completely new device, serving as a central port of call for a smart home network.
It will likely have its own dedicated space in the Avenues section, showcasing how it works and fits into the home ecosystem.
The upcoming HomePod mini is expected to be more of a spec-bump update with improved processing power and support for Siri AI, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 6.
Device capabilities
Home Hub is expected to come in 2 versions
The Home Hub is expected to come in two versions: one with a display on a half-dome base and another that attaches to wall mounts and plinths magnetically.
The 7-inch square screen will control other devices on the network, display information like notes, calendars, itineraries, and act as a picture frame.
It will also serve as an intercom system, security camera viewer, and smart lock controller with a built-in camera for FaceTime calls.
Product upgrades
Apple TV 4K refresh expected to be an internal upgrade
The Apple TV 4K refresh is also expected to be an internal upgrade rather than an external one.
It could get a chip upgrade to something like the A17 Pro or newer, enabling it to work with Siri AI.
There's also talk of a new Siri Remote, but details about the changes remain unclear at this stage.