More last-minute rumors

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The more rumors I hear about Apple’s upcoming smart home hub, the more intriguing it sounds.

The device will reportedly be called HomeView, which also describes its primary function — giving you a view into your home.

Although the name implies a viewing device, it will nonetheless feature a pretty beefy chip with quite a lot of RAM.

However, the hub likely won’t be able to run third-party software on it — at least, not the kind of downloadable apps that we’re accustomed to on our iPhones and iPads.

For a new Apple device, it does sound, well, pretty new.

It’ll all be unveiled tomorrow, and there will likely will be video from the hands-on “experience” after all.

Here are all the last-minute details. I can’t wait!

Also in today’s newsletter:

The HomePod mini and AppleTV are getting some pretty interesting internal upgrades, too.
I love my entry-level iPad, which I use for doomscrolling, mostly. But it does have one big glaring omission, set to be fixed in the next version, coming soon.
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This weird deal between Apple and an AI podcast startup may actually yield something interesting. Maybe.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

Apple HomeView smart home hub rumors: What we know

Apple's long-awaited HomeView smart home hub could arrive soon, giving Siri AI a dedicated screen in the kitchen or bedroom.

Last-minute details about HomeView, Apple's smart home hub

Apple’s rumored HomeView supposedly gets its name from how you’ll use it: a screen to glance at and talk to.

HomePod mini 2 and Apple TV 4K set to get major AI upgrades

Apple’s long-awaited HomePod mini 2 and updated Apple TV 4K could bring smarter Siri AI and other enhancements. Here's what's coming.

^{A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team}

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Money-saving deal on Hostdeal's Unlimited Plan lets you host unlimited websites with unlimited NVMe SSD storage and 54 free domains for life.

Why next entry-level iPad might be worth the wait

Apple’s next entry-level iPad reportedly won’t arrive until early next year, as the company’s October launches look to be its last of the year.

Apple’s Huxe deal could pave the way for AI-generated podcasts

Apple signed a deal with Huxe, a startup that developed an AI-powered podcast generator. So... yay, more AI?

OLED iPad mini could get a not-so-mini price hike

An OLED screen could give Apple’s smallest iPad a welcome upgrade, but a rumored price hike and 60Hz refresh rate might make it a tough sell.

Today in Apple history: iCloud takes our files and photos to the sky

On October 12, 2011, Apple pivoted from its Mac-centric strategy. The iCloud launch put cloud services at the heart of the Apple ecosystem.

^{Will Apple’s home hub be any good? Cult of Mac Podcast #36}

Apple's home invasion! [Cult of Mac podcast 36]

This week on the Cult of Mac podcast: Apple's plans a big push into the smart home arena, with a new home hub and "second-party" accessories.

Cult of Mac’s buyback program

We pay top dollar for used Apple gear

Sell your old iPhone, iPad, MacBook and more through Cult of Mac. Free shipping, fast payment!

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Tweets of the day

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One more thing ...

❝

When you’re doing something for yourself, or your best friend or family, you’re not going to cheese out. If you don’t love something, you’re not going to go the extra mile, work the extra weekend, challenge the status quo as much.

— Steve Jobs, 2011.

Today’s poll

Results from last Friday’s poll: Is Apple starting to make too many products?

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