Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini Updates Anticipated, Tied to Siri and Apple Intelligence Upgrades

New versions of the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini are expected, with their release potentially linked to upcoming Siri and Apple Intelligence upgrades.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, in his Power On newsletter, revealed that updated Apple TV and HomePod mini models have been ready since last year.

However, their release has been withheld, pending the debut of a more personalized Siri and other Apple Intelligence features later in the year.

Gurman also noted that inventory for Apple TV, HomePod mini, and the full-sized HomePod is currently low in Apple retail stores globally. The exact connection between this low inventory and the delayed Siri features remains undefined.

Siri and Apple Intelligence Timeline

Previously, Gurman indicated Apple's goal to introduce personalized Siri features in either iOS 26.5 or iOS 27.
The first developer beta for iOS 26.5 could arrive in late March or early April, suggesting some Siri upgrades might be imminent. However, these features could also be entirely postponed until iOS 27's release in June.

If the new Apple TV and HomePod mini models remain connected to the Siri upgrades in iOS 26.5 or iOS 27, an announcement of these devices could occur between late March and the end of September this year.

Rumored Features

Next Apple TV 4K

Speculation suggests the next Apple TV may incorporate the A17 Pro chip, which supports Apple Intelligence. It could also feature Apple's N1 chip, enabling Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread connectivity.

Next HomePod mini

The HomePod mini is rumored to feature an Apple Watch S9 chip or newer. Details regarding this chip's capability to support the Apple Intelligence-powered Siri are not fully clear.
Additional rumored features include the N1 chip, enhanced audio quality, an updated Ultra Wideband chip, and a new red color option.

Device Update Status

Both devices are due for updates. The current Apple TV 4K was released in October 2022, and the HomePod mini in October 2020.