New Apple TV and HomePod Mini will reportedly launch this month: What to expect

Apple is reportedly readying new versions of the Apple TV and HomePod Mini for release as early as this month. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple retail employees have been told to prepare for an after-hours store refresh on 11 November, typically a sign of incoming product launches. While Apple hasn’t confirmed any new hardware, the tight supply of both these products in retail channels adds weight to speculation that updated models are imminent, among other releases.

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New Apple TV 4K: what’s expected

Three years after the current model launched, Apple is reportedly working to release a new version of the 4K Apple TV soon. The upcoming model is not expected to feature any major design changes and will continue with the same slim black plastic body.

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Inside, the 2025 Apple TV is likely to include a more powerful A-series chip to boost performance and efficiency. Apple may use the A17 Pro chip that debuted with the iPhone 15 Pro, coupled with hardware-accelerated ray tracing and the ability to run console-level games such as Resident Evil 4 and Death Stranding. There’s also a chance Apple could adopt the newer A18 or A19 chips from the latest iPhone models.

Connectivity upgrades are also expected. The device could feature Apple’s custom Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, supporting Wi-Fi 6E or even Wi-Fi 7 for faster, low-latency connections. The Apple TV will likely retain Thread and Matter support for smart home integration and continue to offer Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + Ethernet variants.

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple may price the next Apple TV below $100 (close to Rs 9,000), aiming for a more competitive entry point. The current model starts at Rs 14,900 in India.

Also Read: YouTube TV app get new features for improved content discovery, viewing and creation

New HomePod Mini: expected upgrades

Nearly five years after the first HomePod Mini, Apple is reportedly preparing a successor focused on improved audio, connectivity, and smart home performance. Gurman notes that the new model will align with Apple’s expanding smart home ecosystem but may not include full Apple Intelligence or Siri upgrades.

The upcoming HomePod Mini will likely replace the ageing S5 chip (from the Apple Watch Series 5) with a more modern S9 or S10 processor, boosting computational audio and responsiveness. These newer chips are based on the A13 architecture, offering stronger CPU and Neural Engine performance.

The speaker is expected to include Apple’s custom Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip with Wi-Fi 6E support, delivering faster speeds and lower latency. A second-generation Ultra Wideband chip may also be included to improve device proximity features such as Handoff, spatial awareness, and stereo pairing.

On the hardware front, Apple could upgrade the single-driver setup by adding a second active driver or larger passive radiators to enhance clarity and low-end response. The waveguide and internal materials may also see refinements for better sound dispersion.

The new HomePod Mini will likely retain its compact spherical design but may come in new colour finishes. Current options include Blue, Yellow, Orange, Midnight, and White.

While Gurman notes a November release is possible, he also cautions that the launch could slip into early 2026. Still, the timing of the planned store refresh just before the holiday shopping season makes a quiet November launch plausible. Apple has often rolled out minor product updates through press releases instead of major events. Products such as the Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini typically get silent upgrades, especially when changes are incremental.

In any case, these launches could underscore Apple’s broader strategy to expand its smart home ecosystem. But it may also be feeling pressure to integrate AI more deeply into its devices, like its competitors, Google and Amazon.

In related news, Apple is also said to be exploring future devices that merge Apple TV, smart speaker, and FaceTime camera functionalities. Additionally, the company is reportedly working on a smart home display hub planned for 2026, which could integrate video streaming and FaceTime calling.

Also Read: Foxconn to boost AirPods production at Hyderabad plant: What this means for Apple and India

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G. S. Vasan

G.S. Vasan is the chief copy editor at Digit, where he leads coverage of TVs and audio. His work spans reviews, news, features, and maintaining key content pages. Before joining Digit, he worked with publications like Smartprix and 91mobiles, bringing over six years of experience in tech journalism. His articles reflect both his expertise and passion for technology. View Full Profile