If you have been holding off on buying new smart home gear from Apple, your patience might soon pay off. Recent reports indicate the company is preparing to launch a brand new full-sized HomePod. It plans to release this updated speaker alongside refreshed versions of its HomePod mini and Apple TV.
These upcoming devices are reportedly on hold right now, waiting for Apple to finish developing its more personalized version of Siri.
Apple’s home hardware updates are tied to software
According to tech reporter Mark Gurman, Apple actually finished the hardware for the new Apple TV and HomePod mini last year. The holdup is entirely about the software. It wants to release these products to coincide with an overhauled Siri assistant. That new version of Siri is expected to arrive with the iOS 27 update this fall.
Store inventory levels are giving another strong hint that new devices are on the way. Supplies of the current Apple TV, HomePod mini, and full-sized HomePod are running low at retail stores around the world.
Certain configurations of the HomePod mini are already showing shipping delays stretching into May. This unusual delay suggests the company has stopped manufacturing the older models to make room for the new inventory. When the new Apple TV arrives, rumors suggest it will run on the A17 Pro chip to properly support new artificial intelligence features. The HomePod mini is expected to get an S9 chip, improved sound, and potentially a new red color option.
Details about the internal changes for the full-sized HomePod are still scarce, but launching all three devices together will give the brand a fresh lineup for the holiday season.
