Every Apple Secret That Leaked Last Week

[MacRumors]

Apple made a major slip last Wednesday when it accidentally included hardware identifiers in software code linking to numerous unannounced products.

The leaked information provided MacRumors with concrete evidence of Apple's hardware development across multiple product categories. Here's everything that was confirmed through the code discoveries:

• New HomePod mini with updated chip – New model with S-series processor.
• New Apple TV with A17 Pro chip – Substantial upgrade from current A15 Bionic.
• Apple Studio Display 2 – Next-gen Apple monitor with J427 codename.
• New iPad mini with A19 Pro chip – Using same processor as iPhone 17 Pro models.
• New low-cost iPad with A18 chip – expected to launch in the spring.
• Apple Vision Pro with M5 chip – Second-generation headset, settling chip confusion.
• 2025 Apple Watch chip details – Similar T8310 architecture as current models.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg separately reported Wednesday on Apple's smart home ambitions. The company is developing a Ring-like security camera, while its iPad-style smart home hub isn't coming until mid-2026. A tabletop robot companion with a movable display is also planned for 2027, featuring an enhanced Siri powered by large language models. Lastly, on Saturday, Bloomberg reported Apple is working on an all-new operating system that is likely the company's long-rumored "homeOS" platform.

Article Link: Every Apple Secret That Leaked Last Week

 

[Neil Harrison]

Sept to Dec will be expensive

 

[Whats-a-computer?]

What about "Apple is also working on an updated version of the low-cost iPad with an A18 chip, according to the Apple's leaked code. Codenamed J581/J582, the low-cost ‌iPad‌ could launch next spring." that was mentioned in the iPad mini article?

Edit: I see they added it now.

 

[orbital~debris]

Should just call yesterday Apple Event Day, and say they did a lowkey keynote.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Should just call yesterday Apple Event Day, and say they did a lowkey keynote.

So lowkey that they didn't even do it.

 

[Kylo83]

It’s all just slight chip upgrades nothing to exciting

 

[Mrkevinfinnerty]

I will laugh if they put out an Apple TV with a Pro chip and the same or higher price. Nobody needs better performance on that thing and no it's not going to compete with consoles.

 

[orbital~debris]

So lowkey that they didn't even do it.

Yeah, would be funny if Tim just said in the group chat – "you know what guys, let's delegate this one to the Internet and take a break." [hits 'publish leaks' button]

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Yeah, would be funny if Tim just said in the group chat – "you know what guys, let's delegate this one to the Internet and take a break." [hits 'publish leaks' button]

I think Gurman is their official on-the-clock leaker. Sometimes they give him good info, sometimes not.

 

[svish]

Lot of leaks/rumors yesterday. Not surprising to see Apple working on devices like Ultra 4. Think all of these new devices will definitely launch before the next WWDC except the watches.

 

[Etc_]

I will laugh if they put out an Apple TV with a Pro chip and the same or higher price. Nobody needs better performance on that thing and no it's not going to compete with consoles.

I agree. As long as they primarily market this as a streaming box, why would it need a better chip? The current model is more than capable of streaming everything that’s out there (especially with Infuse), and even an A17 Pro wouldn’t make a significant difference in gaming performance.

 

[Reimulo]

Interesting that the next Vision will be a “Pro” version as well. Looks like Apple is happy with the sold units and sees no need for a budget version any time soon.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Interesting that the next Vision will be a “Pro” version as well. Looks like Apple is happy with the sold units and sees no need for a budget version any time soon.

I think the AVP, in goggles form, will always be niche in the same way that a Mac Pro is niche...so it's fine.

 

[Paul Shields]

I agree. As long as they primarily market this as a streaming box, why would it need a better chip? The current model is more than capable of streaming everything that’s out there (especially with Infuse), and even an A17 Pro wouldn’t make a significant difference in gaming performance.

It should enable Apple Intelligence features - plus Infuse will be able to implement AI upscaling. I'll be buying it day one - especially as my current 3rd gen holds its value so well.

 

[rb24]

This is good information Macrumors! (I was just starting to lean towards an iPad Mini).

Be sure to update the Buyers guide section, for example iPad Mini from NEUTRAL to DON'T BUY.

 

[CharlesShaw]

Nobody needs better performance on that thing

True, so perhaps it's about using chips that are currently being produced in large quantities?

Apple doesn't make a big deal about the ATV, only those who earn money writing about Apple do.

 

[ELman]

At this point the only thing I'm looking forward to is the new Apple TV.

 

[zwida]

I agree. As long as they primarily market this as a streaming box, why would it need a better chip? The current model is more than capable of streaming everything that’s out there (especially with Infuse), and even an A17 Pro wouldn’t make a significant difference in gaming performance.

I think it does two things: it lets them sell it without another update for the next three to five years and it lets them reduce legacy chip production. It could get an update just to simplify their supply chain.

 

[Paul Shields]

Exactly. That's why they do it but there's usually something the new box can do.

 

[ItsASpider]

I will laugh if they put out an Apple TV with a Pro chip and the same or higher price. Nobody needs better performance on that thing and no it's not going to compete with consoles.

Keeping the production line for the A15 active for what I'd imagine is a rather low quantity of chips is probably more expensive than just producing better chips that are actively being used in new devices. Not to mention it will mean tvOS gets access to newer hardware capabilities quicker.

Not to mention that I'd assume the relatively quick refresh has something to do with needing more neural processing capacity.

 

[upthetoffees]

I cant be the only one that nervously scanned the list: “no new 27 inch imac????”

 

[bluecoast]

It’s all just slight chip upgrades nothing to exciting

Yeah at this point in the lives of these products, it’ll just be faster for the most part with incremental component upgrades. Nothing game changing.

And holding off or trying to future proof your device for Apple intelligence. Hmm.

It’s so hazy and such a moving target that I wouldn’t be surprised if 8GB memory iPhones are unable to run the full suite of in device Apple intelligence modems by 2028.

 

[nfl46]

So, basically chip upgrades.

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

It’s all just slight chip upgrades nothing to exciting

That's all that's known so far. They could have exciting updates besides the new chips.

But Apple doesn't do anything exciting anymore. The best they can do is Vision Pro - nifty expensive hardware with no software.

 

[n4uaj]

I've got a couple minis that were acting all wonky after 18.1 and I may replace them. But as long as the others keep obeying me when I ask to turn on the lights, I'll hold off. New appletv sounds good.