Apple TV & HomePod mini reportedly launching this fall; Siri Remote update possible
▼ Summary
– Apple plans to release updated Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini models later this year, alongside the next-generation Siri in iOS 27.
– The new devices are primarily chip upgrades, with the Apple TV 4K expected to move from the A15 to A17 Pro chip and the HomePod mini from the S5 to S9 chip.
– The Apple TV 4K may receive an updated Siri Remote, though the changes could be minor internal updates rather than a new design.
– The hardware refreshes were delayed to launch in tandem with Apple Intelligence features, which are now scheduled for fall after numerous delays.
– The A17 Pro chip in the Apple TV 4K can run Apple Intelligence models locally, while the HomePod mini’s S9 chip will likely rely on cloud streaming for such features.
Apple is reportedly preparing to launch refreshed versions of the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini this fall, according to the latest Power On newsletter. The new devices are expected to arrive alongside the long-delayed rollout of next-generation Siri in iOS 27, marking a significant step forward for Apple’s AI ambitions.
For months, rumors have pointed to hardware refreshes for both the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini, but Apple has held back the releases. The reason, as explained in the newsletter, is that the company wanted these products to debut in sync with its Apple Intelligence features, which have faced repeated delays. Now, with the software finally scheduled for a fall release, the hardware is ready to follow.
While the newsletter does not specify exact chip upgrades, industry speculation points to the Apple TV 4K moving from the A15 chip to the A17 Pro, giving it enough processing power to run Apple’s AI models locally. Meanwhile, the HomePod mini is expected to receive an upgrade from the S5 chip to the S9 chip, though the S9 cannot handle local AI processing. That means any new Apple Intelligence features on the HomePod mini would likely rely on cloud streaming.
Beyond the chip upgrades, the Apple TV 4K may also get an updated Siri Remote. However, it remains unclear how significant the changes will be. According to the newsletter, the remote could see either an internal refresh or a more noticeable redesign, but the main Apple TV box itself will retain a look similar to the current model, which has been in use since 2010.
The timing of these releases is closely tied to Apple’s broader AI strategy. The company’s new partnership with Google to use licensed Gemini models on Private Cloud Compute, along with internal restructuring and additional development time, has helped bring the AI rollout into focus. If everything stays on track, consumers can expect the new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini to hit shelves this fall.
Are you planning to upgrade to a new Apple TV 4K or HomePod mini? Do Apple’s AI features matter to you? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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(Source: 9to5Mac)
