New Apple TV and HomePod Mini Are Still Missing, Here's Why

[MacRumors]

Apple this week unveiled seven products, ranging from the iPhone 17e to the MacBook Neo, but new Apple TV and HomePod mini models were not among them.

Given that there have been rumors about the next-generation Apple TV and HomePod mini since all the way back in late 2024, some customers are wondering why the devices have yet to launch, and the answer likely relates to Siri.

In September, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that the next Apple TV and HomePod mini would both support the more personalized version of Siri powered by Apple Intelligence. Apple originally aimed to release the revamped Siri last year, but it was pushed back, and the Apple TV and HomePod mini are likely delayed as a result. We suspect that Apple's long-rumored smart home hub is also held up by the Siri delay.

Apple has proceeded with releasing some other new products that will eventually support the more personalized version of Siri, but it will likely be a tentpole feature of Apple's all-new smart home hub, and likely the next Apple TV and HomePod mini too. Apple may announce a set of new home products tied to the new Siri.

In January, Apple and Google announced that Google Gemini will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year. Apple has yet to provide a more specific timeframe, but Gurman reported that the personalized Siri features are currently slated for either iOS 26.5 or iOS 27.

iOS 26.5 will likely be released in May, following a beta testing period beginning in April. iOS 27 will debut at Apple's annual developers conference WWDC in June, and that update should be released to all users in September. There would be corresponding tvOS and HomePod software updates released at the same times. Accordingly, the new Apple TV and HomePod mini might not be announced until April to September this year.

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.

As for the HomePod mini, it is expected to use an Apple Watch's S9 chip or newer, but it is not entirely clear how that chip would be capable enough to support the revamped Siri powered by Apple Intelligence. Other rumored features include the N1 chip, improved sound quality, a newer Ultra Wideband chip, and a red color option.

The current Apple TV was unveiled in October 2022, while the HomePod mini debuted in October 2020, so both devices are due for upgrades. Hopefully, the more personalized Siri arrives in the next few months, and the two devices follow soon after.

Article Link: New Apple TV and HomePod Mini Are Still Missing, Here's Why

 

[widestload]

If we're waiting for the improved Siri, then at this rate these devices won't be arriving until 2030! 🤣

 

[lazyrighteye]

Oof. Well, I’ll be good and ready for that AppleTV.

 

[zachz]

I checked MacRumors just now specifically to see if there were any last minute HomePod/Apple TV updates and got excited when I quickly saw the title and pictures 🥲

 

[turbineseaplane]

What's first?

1. Siri is good

2. New Apple TV released

 

[vegetassj4]

It takes courage to do nothing: Shikantaza

Apple: the most Zen products we've ever created, you are going to love them.

 

[bekiil]

Sold my Apple TV the other day waiting for the new one 🥸🥸

 

[SRQrws]

All I need Siri to do with the ATV is "play season 3, episode 11 of The Sopranos." Why is that so tough?

 

[Koni17]

I wouldn't be surprised if these products get delayed even longer. With the recent news that Gemini is supposed to power next gen Siri, that might also introduce change to the hardware requirements for the devices.

 

[jonnyb098]

The irony of releasing the iPhone 16 based on the unreleased Apple Intelligence and now holding back products because it's not ready is Apple's continued of self awareness. By their logic then we will NEVER see a new version of these products.

All of us know Siri is what it is. The ship has sailed. Siri is a punch line. And about as many people know what Apple Intelligence is who know what the Vision Pro is.

🙄

 

[WarmWinterHat]

I don't know numbers, obviously, but I imagine that these two devices are probably the lowest of the low sellers for Apple...doubt they are much of a priority. I never see them in people's homes, or hear anyone talk about them outside of MR.

 

[CWallace]

If Siri is not ready, it makes sense to hold them back since maybe they want to upgrade the SoCs going into them to something newer than S9 / A17 Pro to give them more headroom.

 

[Belisama]

Why do we need a new Apple TV ?
Is there something new in the TV world ?

 

[Biro]

I’m thinking about picking up another current Apple TV cube so I can avoid the AI mess when it arrives.

 

[ELman]

By the time the new Apple TV is released it should have the A19 Chip.

 

[joeblow7777]

The most disappointing part of any Apple event is never what’s announced, it’s always what’s not announced.

BTW, what happened to the 12th gen iPad that everyone said was coming?

 

[Rychiar]

I'm shocked anyone was expecting them without new siri

 

[Icehawk]

I didn’t expect them this week, but I was hoping. Hoping we don’t have to wait that long. Or if we do, they step it up a gen or two of processors. It doesn’t need it as the original 4K is still a beast, but it would be I don’t know…

I’ve been waiting 6 months. What are a few more. This new Siri better be mind blowing.

 

[Fraserpatty]

I don't know numbers, obviously, but I imagine that two devices are probably the lowest of the low sellers for Apple...doubt they are much of a priority. I never see them in people's homes, or hear anyone talk about them outside of MR.

But that doesn’t explain the base model iPad. I was really hoping to see that but it’s not been announced either and is arguably not dependent upon the new Siri.

 

[hoodlum90]

By the time the new Apple TV is released it should have the A19 Chip.

This is what happens when you plan a device release around a software update that gets perpetually delayed.

 

[WilliApple]

it is expected to use an Apple Watch's S9 chip or newer, but it is not entirely clear how that chip would be capable enough to support the revamped Siri powered by Apple Intelligence.

My guess is that it will utilize a compatible Apple TV or HomePad instead of using the S9 chip as a perk of HomeKit.

 

[DocMultimedia]

The only two products I have wanted to buy for the past year.

I still don't understand why this whole Siri thing is such an issue for older products. Just make it contact the servers that run it, and ignore the in-device processing. Otherwise we'll all need 64 gig of RAM in three years.

Anyway... I'll continue to wait. I'm sure Gurman will be right about when the next release will be. 🤣

 

[I/0]

It’s just funny how MacRumors been saying it’s imminent since October 2024 lol

I do think they’re waiting for the software to be ready because otherwise there’s not much they can realistically market with the new model other than “it’s faster now”, I’m thinking these and the basic iPad will be announced at or after WWDC when Apple reveals their AI features, and the whole marketing of these devices will be based on that software features.

 

[Lwii2boo]

Why do we need a new Apple TV ?
Is there something new in the TV world ?

DV2 support - but first Hollywood dv2 content should release in 2027
Audio passthrough - for enthusiasts with great audio setup
Apple Intelligence - for the masses

Not confident at all about audio passthrough but other point I could definitely see for next gen Apple tv

 

[XboxEvolved]

I thought about buying 2 HomePod minis and an Apple TV, and use them as speakers for my PS5 and TV in general but Im fine waiting until like September.