Apple unveiled a total of nine new products this month. However, two devices are still missing: the next generation of the Apple TV 4K and the HomePod mini. Although both products appear to be fully developed, Apple has yet to announce them. The reason for this lies not with the hardware itself, but with a key software component that is said to play a crucial role in both devices.
Apple has been pursuing a clear strategy for some time now, closely integrating hardware and software. New devices are often no longer released in isolation, but rather in conjunction with major software updates. In the case of Apple TV and HomePod mini, this primarily concerns the next generation of Siri and the new features surrounding Apple Intelligence. This interdependence means that finished products are deliberately held back.
According to reports, the devices have been ready since 2024
According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, new versions of the Apple TV and the HomePod mini have been "ready" since 2024. Apple, however, has decided against releasing them. Instead, the company is waiting for the new, more personalized version of Siri to be available.
This revamped Siri is part of Apple's intelligence initiative and is designed to understand significantly more context and respond more individually to users. Without these features, the new devices would not reach their intended potential.
Related to iOS 26.5 and iOS 27
The release of the new Siri features is currently the decisive factor for the launch of the devices. According to current information, these features could be introduced with either iOS 26.5 or iOS 27. The timeline is as follows:
- A first developer beta of iOS 26.5 is expected at the end of March or beginning of April.
- iOS 27 is expected to be unveiled in June.
It's possible that individual Siri upgrades will appear soon. It's also conceivable that Apple will hold back the features entirely to release them bundled with iOS 27.
Possible release period
If Apple continues to link the new devices to Siri updates, this results in a relatively wide time window for their introduction. This window ranges from the end of March to the end of September of this year.
A precise date cannot currently be determined, as it depends directly on the completion and release of the new Siri features.
Indications from low stock levels
Another detail concerns the current availability of existing devices. According to the report, stocks of Apple TV, HomePod mini, and the larger HomePod are "almost depleted" in Apple Stores worldwide.
Such developments could indicate upcoming product updates. At the same time, it is unclear whether this is actually a deliberate signal or simply normal fluctuations in the supply chain.
Expected technology in the new Apple TV
Previous rumors suggest that the upcoming Apple TV will be equipped with the A17 Pro chip. This chip is one of the older models that already support Apple Intelligence. The following additional technical features are also expected:
- Use of the new N1 chip for modern radio standards
- Support for Wi-Fi 7
- Bluetooth 6
- Thread integration for smart home communication
This feature would make the Apple TV both more powerful and future-proof, especially in combination with other smart home devices.
Expected new features for the HomePod mini
The HomePod mini is expected to use the S9 chip from the Apple Watch or a newer chip. Whether this chip offers sufficient performance for the new Siri is currently unclear. The following improvements are also rumored:
- Improved audio quality
- New Ultra-Wideband chip
- Support for modern wireless technologies through the N1 chip
- Introduction of a new red color variant
This would update the HomePod mini both technically and visually.
The devices have remained unchanged for years
Another important point is the age of the current models:
- The Apple TV 4K was last updated in October 2022.
- The HomePod mini was released in October 2020.
Both devices have remained unchanged on the market for several years, making an upgrade increasingly likely.
Why the launch of Apple TV and HomePod mini is delayed
The new versions of Apple TV and HomePod mini are apparently already fully developed, but are being deliberately held back. The main reason is their dependence on the next generation of Siri and the features of Apple Intelligence.
The actual release date therefore depends less on the hardware and more on the progress of the software. A market launch is generally possible anytime between spring and autumn. Apple is thus remaining true to its strategy of only releasing new products when the entire system of hardware and software is fully optimized. (Image: Shutterstock / Masarik)
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