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Apple is working on a new generation of smart home devices. These include a new Apple TV 4K and a new version of the HomePod. Both products have been anticipated for some time, but have not yet been officially unveiled.
A recent report suggests that the reason for this is not the hardware itself. Instead, the launch appears to be related to the new version of Siri that Apple is currently developing.
Rumors about new Apple devices for the living room and smart home have been circulating since 2024. At that time, the first hints of a new Apple TV 4K and a new HomePod mini surfaced.
In 2025, Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman repeatedly reported that Apple was planning a release before the end of the year. Despite this, it didn't happen. Even at the most recent Apple event in early 2026, where the iPhone 17e and the MacBook Neo were among the products unveiled, there was no announcement regarding Apple TV or HomePod.
Release apparently depends on the new Siri
According to Mark Gurman, Apple already has a new Apple TV 4K and a new HomePod in development. Both devices are expected to feature new artificial intelligence capabilities.
These features are in turn linked to the new Siri version. Therefore, Apple might not unveil the hardware until the revamped Siri is fully ready.
Delays in Apple's Siri relaunch
Apple originally planned to introduce the new Apple Intelligence version of Siri with iOS 26.4. However, the release was postponed because Siri was not yet working reliably enough.
The current plan is to introduce the new Siri features with iOS 27. This launch could coincide with the iPhone 18 Pro. However, it's also possible that some features will appear earlier with iOS 26.5.
Uncertainty surrounding the new HomePod
In his latest report, Gurman refers generally to a "HomePod." However, in previous reports, he had specifically mentioned a new HomePod mini.
Therefore, it is currently unclear whether Apple will only update the smaller speaker or also redesign the larger HomePod.
Technical details for the Apple TV 4K
The Apple TV 4K was last updated in 2022. The upcoming model is expected to primarily feature internal improvements.
Rumors suggest that Apple could use an A17 Pro chip, which was also used in the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPad mini. Additionally, Apple's N1 network chip is said to be integrated. The A17 Pro also supports features related to Apple Intelligence.
New HomePod mini with updated technology
The HomePod mini is also expected to receive an internal upgrade. The device could get a newer Apple Watch chip.
In addition, an N1 network chip and an updated UWB chip are expected, which could provide better networking and more precise device communication.
Apple is apparently delaying Apple TV 4K and HomePod due to the new Siri
Everything indicates that Apple plans to unveil the new Apple TV 4K and HomePod only after the new Siri version is ready. Since the development of Apple's intelligence features has been delayed, the hardware release could also be pushed back.
This leaves open the question of when Apple will present the new devices. It's possible that Apple TV 4K, HomePod, and the revamped Siri will only be released alongside iOS 27 and the iPhone 18 Pro. (Image: Shutterstock / Ugis Riba)
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