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Apple readies smart home hub, HomePod mini, Apple TV October 8

By Drooid · Oct 4, 2026, 6:21 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Apple Launches Smart Hub

Apple will debut its smart home hub, a new HomePod mini, and Apple TV.
Apple stores have sealed boxes marked “Do Not Open Until October 8,” containing merchandising.
The hub has a 6-inch display that can sit on a countertop or mount.
Leaks say the hub will be sold in Silver, Space Gray, Starlight, and Rose Pink.
It can display user-customizable Photo Faces, similar to iPhone Duo’s StandBy mode.

Summary

Foxconn Improves Foldable Yield

Foxconn’s final-assembly yield for Apple’s first foldable iPhone was just above 60% on September 17, per a source.
The source told Jiemian News that reaching a mature yield could take six months to a year.
Foxconn is repeatedly tweaking equipment, assembly processes and production settings while scaling the iPhone Duo.
Suppliers await possible Apple quality-standard relaxation, which could shorten the timeline, though no decision is announced.

Summary

iPhone 18 Pro Issues

MacRumors readers posted early impressions of the iPhone 18 Pro, noting praise and complaints.
Some iPhone 18 Pro Max users on AT&T in the U.S. experience cellular connectivity problems.
Several owners report speaker crackling or popping noises during audio playback.
Multiple iPhone 18 Pro users report eSIM provisioning issues.
Commenters debate whether upgrading from the iPhone 17 Pro justifies the cost.

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Apple Launches Smart Hub

Apple will debut its smart home hub, a new HomePod mini, and Apple TV.
Apple stores have sealed boxes marked “Do Not Open Until October 8,” containing merchandising.
The hub has a 6-inch display that can sit on a countertop or mount.
Leaks say the hub will be sold in Silver, Space Gray, Starlight, and Rose Pink.
It can display user-customizable Photo Faces, similar to iPhone Duo’s StandBy mode.

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