Apple has a packed lineup of hardware launches this fall, with 15+ new products expected. Out of those debuts, two will be brand new Home products: a new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini 2. Here’s what to expect.
#1: New Apple TV 4K
It’s been nearly three years since new Apple TV hardware shipped, but the wait’s ending soon.
A brand new Apple TV 4K is coming this fall with several upgrades rumored.
The current model’s A15 Bionic is expected to be replaced by an A18 or A17 Pro chip.
No doubt a big reason to change the chip is enabling Apple Intelligence, which requires more power than the current Apple TV chip can offer.
Apple hasn’t announced any specific Apple Intelligence features coming to tvOS 26, but the company might do so as part of the announcement of the new Apple TV 4K model.
A built-in camera is another rumored feature for the new Apple TV 4K, and hints in tvOS 26 seem to support that idea. FaceTime and other video calls would be significantly more convenient if they no longer required sacrificing your iPhone.
Apple’s first in-house Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip is also coming to the new Apple TV. That may not sound the most exciting, except neither did Apple’s 5G modem until the C1 was unveiled packing some key benefits.
Mark Gurman says: “With a homegrown wireless chip in Apple’s smart home devices, the products will work more closely together and potentially synchronize data more quickly.”
#2: HomePod mini 2
HomePod mini first arrived almost five years ago, in November 2020. Rumors indicate we’ll finally get the first hardware revision this fall.
Not a lot is known about HomePod mini 2 at this point.
Mark Gurman says Apple’s new in-house Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip will come to HomePod mini 2, potentially enabling better cross-device connectivity.
It’s likely Apple will have a fresh lineup of colors for HomePod mini 2. The device will no doubt also support a more current Wi-Fi standard like Wi-Fi 6E or 7.
One big question mark is Apple Intelligence support to power future Siri upgrades.
The current HomePod mini uses an Apple Watch-class S5 SiP. And we now know from watchOS 26 that certain Apple Intelligence features can be supported by an S9 and later.
If Apple puts another S-class chip in HomePod mini 2, it will almost certainly be an S9 or S10.
New Home products: wrap-up
This was originally expected to be a big year for Apple’s smart home strategy, but delays to the ‘HomePad’ product (which may actually be called HomePod Touch) upended those plans.
If Apple can ship strong updates to the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini this fall, though, followed by the new HomePod Touch in the spring, we could be well on our way to a stronger Apple Home ecosystem than ever before.
Are you interested in a new Apple TV 4K or HomePod mini 2? Let us know in the comments.
Best Apple TV and Home accessories
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
