Home Hub, iPhone 18 Pro cameras, Meta VR

Leaks point to a busy October for Apple with a new Apple TV, HomePod mini, and Home Hub launching in tandem with the iPhone Duo. Here are the latest rumors and more on the AppleInsider Podcast.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max camera system is Apple’s best yet, but the gains are small year-over-year. The more interesting comparison will be when your hosts can get their hands on iPhone Duo to see exactly how that camera performs.

Leaks show that Apple is set to release an updated Apple TV 4K, a HomePod mini with Siri AI, and the long-awaited Home Hub tablet in October. A separate rumor places the announcement of these products on October 13.

Your hosts also discuss how Apple is covered when its competitors announce new products, like Meta VR Glasses. There is also a lot of talk around AI agents getting mascot-like characters even as Apple continues to push Siri.

BONUS: Subscribe via Patreon or Apple Podcasts to hear AppleInsider+, the extended edition. This time, your hosts discuss Apple Watch Ultra 4 and the upgraded Apple Health experience.

Links from the show:

• iPhone 18 Pro Max cameras are Apple’s best yet, but only when you squint
• Refreshed HomePod mini, Apple TV and new HomeHub coming on October 13
• iPhone 18 Pro Max review
• M5 Max Mac Studio review: Far better choice than Ultra for most desks
• ‘Get Ready’ to pre-order the iPhone Duo starting October 12
• Unsurprisingly, Meta’s Muse AI agent blatantly ignores user permissions
• ChatGPT as an extension in Siri dramatically underperformed, says OpenAI
• New Apple TV 4K leak confirms a very familiar form factor
• iPad mini finally getting FaceTime camera move, leak suggests
• Apple’s next HomePod mini won’t get a redesign, but will get some new colors
• Apple Intelligence is coming to the the next entry-level iPad
• Apple’s spatial computing strategy was on full display at Meta Connect
• Apple’s smart glasses predicted for 2027, upgraded Apple Vision Pro 2028
• Apple Vision Pro’s development graveyard exemplifies Apple’s ‘1,000 no’s to every yes’
• Apple’s US staff will get extended Thanksgiving break under Ternus too
• Snoopy & Fraggles getting new holiday specials on Apple TV
• How to watch ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ for free in 2026
• Small layoffs and budget cuts are hitting Apple, with more expected
• Apple Watch Ultra 4 review: An end-to-end health ecosystem
• Apple Health, now with AI

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