He J940internal code for Apple's first smart screen, is already being tested in the homes of some company employees. The device, known unofficially as HomePadwould be scheduled for next month, within Apple's fall launches. The leaker Mark Gurman has revealed new details about its design, its interface and the central role it will play Siri AI.
And the J940 is not a simple speaker with a screen. Apple would be proposing it as a command center for the entire house, capable of bringing together the accessories of the connected home, the telephone and applications for video calls or content playback. The screen would be practically square and could be used in two ways within the home.
Square design and two ways to place it at home
The HomePad could be placed on a stand with a design reminiscent of a HomePod mini split in half. There would also be the option of fixing it directly to the wall, which could give more leeway when deciding where to place it within a home. Conceptually, it would remind EchoShow from Amazon, although with a considerably smaller screen than that product.
The interface would combine elements of iOS, iPadOS, tvOS and watchOSaccording to what has been leaked. Apple Watch-style covers are mentioned for the main screen, in addition to a new Sleep mode similar to the one already incorporated in the iPhone Duo. This mix of systems seeks for the HomePad to function both as a home control panel and as a surface to view content or make video calls, without depending on the iPhone.
Siri AI, the central engine, and its arrival in Europe
The central element of the experience would be Siri AI and its new artificial intelligence capabilities. Apple has been working on this renewed assistant for years and, according to Gurman, the HomePad would not have arrived sooner because the company wanted to have that new version ready. The idea is that a good part of household tasks involve talking directly with Siri AI from the screen.
Regarding its availability in the European Union, everything indicates that these functions will arrive without additional restrictions. The DMA marks the iPhone as a digital guardian and, by extension, the Apple Watch for being linked to it, but a new device like the HomePad shouldn't face those limitations. Siri AI is also planned to come to Macs with macOS 27.2.
Fall calendar: what other releases could accompany it
Apple usually announces products between the end of October and the beginning of November, and on occasion these announcements have coincided with Halloween night, the October 31. That is why the HomePad is expected to be presented on similar dates, although at the moment there is no exact date confirmed by the company.
The HomePad would not arrive alone. Apple is also expected to announce the HomePod mini 2a new ipad minihe Apple TV 4K 2026a iMac with chip M6 and the first MacBook with touch screen of its entire history. It would be one of the busiest fall calendars in recent years for the company.
Event or press release? This is how Apple could announce it
At the moment it is unknown if Apple will organize a specific event to present these products or if it will choose to announce them through press releases, a formula that the company has used before for launches that do not require a complete event, as has already happened with some minor accessories.
That would not prevent Apple from publishing, as usual, short videos of each product on its YouTube channel, something it usually does regardless of the format chosen for the main advertisement. With the schedule so tight, the next few weeks should clear up whether the debut of the HomePad comes accompanied by official images or if the company prefers to reserve it for a discreet press release.
Would a device like this in the living room make sense to you, or would you prefer to continue controlling the house from your iPhone?
Apple HomePad J940 FAQ It is the internal code of Apple's first smart screen, known unofficially as HomePad, intended as a home control center.
There is no exact date confirmed, but it is expected to arrive between the end of October and the beginning of November, following Apple's usual pattern.
Everything points to yes, since being a new device it should not be subject to the same DMA restrictions that affect the iPhone.
What is the Apple J940?
When will the HomePad be presented?
Will Siri AI come to this device in Europe?
