Multiple outlets report that Apple is close to launching refreshed versions of the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini, with timing tied to the release of a more personalized Siri. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman is cited as saying the hardware for the next Apple TV set-top box and HomePod mini has been completed for months and is already being used internally at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino. The reported delay is that Apple holds the launch until the updated Siri becomes available, expected as part of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27. The software updates are expected to be unveiled during Apple’s WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8 and, after beta testing, broadly released in September, which would place the hardware launch around the same period. Sources characterise the upgrades as primarily chip revisions to support the revised Siri and related Apple Intelligence features, rather than major new functionality. One additional rumor involves a possible refresh to the Apple TV’s Siri Remote, though details and whether there will be visible design changes remain unclear. For the HomePod mini, reported changes include updated internal chips and potentially improvements such as better audio and additional connectivity components, but the precise scope is not confirmed across all reports.
Apple reportedly prepares refreshed Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini for fall launch
Multiple outlets report that Apple is close to launching refreshed versions of the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini, with timing tied to the release of a more personalized Siri. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman is...
- Refreshed Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini are reported to be nearing launch, with the reported target being fall.
- Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says the hardware has been ready for months and is reportedly being tested internally.
- The launch timing is linked to a revamped, more personalized Siri expected to arrive with iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27.
- The new devices are widely described as focusing on updated chips to support the new Siri/Apple Intelligence rather than major feature changes.
- A Siri Remote update is rumored for the Apple TV 4K, but no specific details or confirmed design changes are provided.
Apple is reportedly preparing refreshed Apple TV and HomePod mini hardware with improved Siri and Apple Intelligence support for a fall launch.
2 months agoThese refreshed devices are waiting on the debut of the revamped Siri.
2 months agoNew models of the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini are "nearly ready to go," according to the latest word from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Both devices have been ready "for months," but Apple is holding off on launching them until the more personalized version of Siri is available, he said. "I am told the hardware for the next Apple TV set-top box and HomePod mini has been done for months and that both devices are already in active use among employees at the company's headquarters in Cupertino, California," wrote Gurman. If you have been closely following Apple TV and HomePod mini rumors, this is a familiar narrative. The revamped Siri is finally expected to launch as part of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27, which will be unveiled during the WWDC 2026 keynote on Monday, June 8. Following beta testing, the software updates should be widely released in September, so the new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini models should be available to purchase by then. In other words, the devices are hopefully around 3-4 months away at the latest. The current Apple TV 4K was unveiled in October 2022, while the HomePod mini was introduced in October 2020, so there has been a long wait for the devices. Nevertheless, Gurman said "don't expect much" in terms of new features for both devices, aside from newer chips that support the more personalized version of Siri. The current Apple TV 4K has an A15 Bionic chip from the iPhone 13 series, while the HomePod mini uses the S5 chip from the Apple Watch Series 5. Earlier rumors claimed the next Apple TV would be equipped with the A17 Pro chip, which is the oldest chip that supports Apple Intelligence. The device is also expected to feature Apple's N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. Gurman expects the next Apple TV to have a similar design as the current model. There is one new twist, as he was told that the Apple TV's Siri Remote may be "refreshed in some form," but he did not provide any specific details or guarantee that there will be any outward-facing design changes to the accessory. As for the HomePod mini, it is expected to use an Apple Watch's S9 chip or newer, but it is unclear if or how that chip would fully support the new Siri powered by Apple Intelligence. Other previously-rumored features for the speaker include the N1 chip, improved sound quality, a newer Ultra Wideband chip, and a red color option. Apple is also expected to update the full-sized HomePod and release an all-new smart home hub this year, with those devices held up by Siri too. Related Roundups: Apple TV, HomePod miniTags: Bloomberg, Mark Gurman, Siri, Siri RemoteBuyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy), HomePod Mini (Don't Buy)Related Forums: Apple TV and Home Theater, HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto TechnologyThis article, "New Apple TV and HomePod Mini Are 'Nearly Ready' to Launch, New Siri Remote Also Rumored" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums
2 months agoAccording to the HomePod mini later this year – alongside the long-awaited release of next-generation Siri in iOS 27. These devices will largely be chip upgrades, though the Apple TV 4K may get an updated Siri Remote. more…
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