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In episode 086 of 9to5Mac Overtime, hosts Jeff Benjamin and Fernando Silva discussed Apple's purported smart home refresh, covering a $299 device called Apple HomeView, a HomePod mini 2, an updated Apple TV 4K, and an Apple Home Collection product line. The episode was sponsored by case maker Rokform, which is offering a discount code tied to upcoming iPhone models.
Apple's latest iOS 27.2 beta introduces three changes: granular settings to enable or disable specific Messages 'Suggestions' like calendar and reminder prompts, two new Home app options for smart locks covering auto-lock timing and door-left-open alerts, and a visual overhaul of the Music app that replaces its red branding with black-and-white icons and blue tab accents.
Apple announced a free software update bringing three new features to the existing HomePod (2nd generation), alongside this week's launch of HomePod mini 2, HomeView and a new Apple TV 4K. The update adds Sound Glow lighting effects synced to music, the ability to set HomePod as the default Mac speaker, and support for four-HomePod surround sound when paired with the new Apple TV 4K.
Apple's French regulatory website briefly listed a Smart Folio accessory with model number A3632, which doesn't match any current product. The filing, dated September 8, 2026, shows different recycled-material and rare-earth-element content compared to the existing iPad mini Smart Folio, according to MacRumors.
Coway has released the Airmega Mighty2 Mini, a compact air purifier that is 40% smaller than its Mighty2 sibling and priced at $170. The unit includes eco, turbo, sleep and smart modes, three speeds, a washable pre-filter, carbon filter and HEPA filter rated to capture 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger, and operates between roughly 19 and 49 decibels. It lacks app connectivity but includes a basic four-color LED air quality indicator.
Apple held a smart home event introducing the HomeView smart display, a fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, and a refreshed HomePod mini, according to discussion on 9to5Mac's Happy Hour podcast. Hosts Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller also noted the new Apple TV's high price and shared their first impressions of the devices.
Apple is set to release the iPhone Duo on October 23, HomePod mini 2 on October 30, and new Macs with an OLED iPad mini around November 6, followed by HomeView and Apple TV 4K on November 13, according to analyst Mark Gurman. Gurman says Apple stores will undergo a major floor reset the evening of November 5 into November 6 to accommodate the new Mac and iPad mini launches.
Apple unveiled a Home Collection of smart devices including a HomeView panel, HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K, and nine accessories ranging from $40 sensors to $400 security cameras. A ZDNET reviewer, evaluating the lineup from a renter's perspective, singled out LG's $200 Indoor Cam as a standout pick due to its lamp-like design, automatic privacy mode, and lack of wall-mounting requirement.
Apple is reportedly inviting media to an all-day product event in Los Angeles on October 28, where it will unveil its first touchscreen MacBooks alongside a refreshed iPad mini and M6-powered MacBook, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The touchscreen models, expected in 14- and 16-inch sizes with OLED displays and M5 Pro or M5 Max chips, will reportedly be lighter and redesigned, while a separate 14-inch MacBook will keep a familiar design with a base M6 chip.
Amazon has expanded pre-order discounts on the newly unveiled Apple HomeView to its Silver, Space Gray, and Rose Pink colorways, each priced at $289.99, while the Starlight model has returned to full price. Separately, Best Buy is offering pre-orders on Apple's new HomePod mini 2 with double rewards points for members, alongside other Apple deals including a $220 discount on the 1TB M5 Max Mac Studio and a $600 cut on an M5 Pro MacBook Pro.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple has begun sending media invites for an event in Los Angeles on October 28, moved from a previously reported date a day earlier. Expected announcements include the first touchscreen, OLED MacBook Pro models in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, an OLED iPad mini, and updated iMac and entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro models running Apple's M6 chip.
A new project called Sprout offers two drop-in replacement mainboards, Sprout Pico and Sprout Pi, that upgrade 3rd- and 4th-generation iPods and the iPod mini with modern connectivity. Built on Raspberry Pi RP2350 boards with a custom OS, the no-solder mods add Bluetooth audio, Wi-Fi, USB-C, expandable microSD storage up to 2TB, and support for formats like FLAC and ALAC, while keeping the original click-wheel interface. The pricier Sprout Pi version adds a Compute Module Zero for AirPlay and streaming from Apple Music or Spotify.