New models of the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini are "nearly ready to go," according to the latest word from Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman . Both devices have been ready "for months," but Apple is holding off on launching them until the more personalized version of Siri is available, he said. "I am told the hardware for the next Apple TV set-top box and HomePod mini has been done for months and that both devices are already in active use among employees at the company's headquarters in Cupertino, California," wrote Gurman. If you have been closely following Apple TV and HomePod mini rumors, this is a familiar narrative . The revamped Siri is finally expected to launch as part of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27, which will be unveiled during the WWDC 2026 keynote on Monday, June 8. Following beta testing, the software updates should be widely released in September, so the new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini models should be available to purchase by then. In other words, the devices are hopefully around 3-4 months away at the latest. The current Apple TV 4K was unveiled in October 2022, while the HomePod mini was introduced in October 2020, so there has been a long wait for the devices. Nevertheless, Gurman said "don't expect much" in terms of new features for both devices, aside from newer chips that support the more personalized version of Siri. The current Apple TV 4K has an A15 Bionic chip from the iPhone 13 series, while the HomePod mini uses the S5 chip from the Apple Watch Series 5. 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. Gurman expects the next Apple TV to have a similar design as the current model. There is one new twist, as he was told that the Apple TV's Siri Remote may be "refreshed in some form," but he did not provide any specific details or guarantee that there will be any outward-facing design changes to the accessory. As for the HomePod mini, it is expected to use an Apple Watch's S9 chip or newer, but it is unclear if or how that chip would fully support the new Siri powered by Apple Intelligence. Other previously-rumored features for the speaker include the N1 chip, improved sound quality, a newer Ultra Wideband chip, and a red color option . Apple is also expected to update the full-sized HomePod and release an all-new smart home hub this year, with those devices held up by Siri too. Related Roundups: Apple TV , HomePod mini Tags: Bloomberg , Mark Gurman , Siri , Siri Remote Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy) , HomePod Mini (Don't Buy) Related Forums: Apple TV and Home Theater , HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology This article, " New Apple TV and HomePod Mini Are 'Nearly Ready' to Launch, New Siri Remote Also Rumored " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
Apple has been working on AI smart glasses for a little while, both to compete against Meta Ray-Bans and to provide a hardware platform for Siri and its Visual Intelligence features. While they were originally set to be announced at the end of this year and debut early next year, that’s now been delayed, with a launch now set to take place by the end of 2027, per Bloomberg . On the flip side of things, a cheaper and lighter version of Apple Vision Pro, dubbed Vision Air, may arrive as soon as 2028, potentially 2029. more…
Apple's initial plan for smart glasses is to take on just about every eyewear manufacturer, smart and not, with design and just a little bit of iPhone integration. Apple is gunning for the glasses industry with its smart eyewear - Image Credit: Pexels/Gustavo Fring The whole Apple Glass endeavor has focused mainly on the still-far-off augmented reality smart glasses . However, with a second version without AR expected to arrive in 2026 or 2027, Apple is trying to break into the wider glasses market. According to Mark Gurman in Sunday's "Power On" newsletter for Bloomberg , Apple isn't going to try and attract just those who want smart glasses. It's instead attempting to take on the overall glasses market. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
London iPhone theft victims have reported threats, AirTag catches a burglar in Pittsburgh, and California prisoners did not receive iPads, all in this week's Apple Crime Blotter. Man in cuffs - Image Credit: Pixabay The latest in an occasional AppleInsider series, looking at the world of Apple-related crime. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums