Apple TV and HomePod Mini Launch Imminent
▼ Summary
– Apple has delayed new Apple TV and HomePod mini models, which were ready last year, to wait for upgraded Siri and Apple Intelligence features.
– Inventory of current Apple TV and HomePod models is low at Apple stores, though this may not directly signal an imminent product launch.
– The personalized Siri upgrades are targeted for release in either iOS 26.5 (with a beta possibly in late March/April) or iOS 27 in June.
– The next Apple TV is rumored to include the A17 Pro chip for Apple Intelligence support and an N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7 and other connectivity.
– The upcoming HomePod mini is expected to use an S9 chip or newer and may feature improved sound, a new Ultra Wideband chip, and a red color option.
While Apple has introduced a flurry of new hardware recently, two key products remain conspicuously absent. The anticipated next-generation Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini are still awaiting their official launch. According to a reliable industry source, these updated models have been prepared for release since last year. Their debut, however, is strategically delayed to coincide with a major software evolution: the launch of a more personalized Siri and foundational Apple Intelligence features later in 2024.
Reports indicate that global retail stock for the current Apple TV, HomePod mini, and full-sized HomePod is once again dwindling. While this often signals an impending refresh, the situation is complicated by the unreleased software. The new, smarter Siri experience is reportedly targeted for inclusion in either iOS 26.5 or iOS 27. With the first developer beta for iOS 26.5 potentially arriving in late March or early April, some of these AI-driven upgrades could be just weeks away. If the hardware remains tethered to this software timeline, Apple could announce the new devices anytime from late March through September.
The rumored specifications for the new Apple TV are particularly compelling. It is expected to house the A17 Pro chip, identified as the oldest processor capable of supporting the on-device processing demands of Apple Intelligence. This would represent a significant performance leap. The set-top box is also anticipated to integrate Apple’s new N1 chip, enabling support for advanced connectivity standards like Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread for smarter home integration.
For the HomePod mini, the upgrade path involves a shift to a more modern processor, likely the S9 chip from the Apple Watch or a newer variant. A key question surrounds how this chip will handle the computational requirements of the revamped, intelligence-powered Siri. Beyond processing, the new mini speaker may also gain the N1 chip, deliver improved sound quality, include an updated Ultra Wideband chip for better device handoff, and potentially offer a new red color option.
Given that the current Apple TV 4K launched in October 2022 and the HomePod mini debuted back in October 2020, both product lines are overdue for a refresh. The impending launch appears to be a coordinated effort to create a more powerful and deeply integrated ecosystem, where enhanced hardware unlocks the full potential of Apple’s next-generation AI software.
(Source: MacRumors)
