Apple Prepares Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini Upgrades

Apple is preparing a major refresh of its smart home hardware, with an updated Apple TV 4K and second-generation HomePod mini expected to arrive alongside new home accessories. The company has scheduled its Welcome Home event for October 13, according to What Hi-Fi?, while Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman has reported that the two devices could reach stores on October 30.

The expected releases would update products that have gone several years without major hardware revisions. Apple announced the current Apple TV 4K in October 2022, while the original model launched in 2017 has now entered Apple's vintage product category, according to GSMArena.

The anticipated changes extend beyond streaming performance. Reports from The Verge and 9to5Mac indicate that Apple is preparing hardware capable of supporting more advanced Siri AI features and expanding its smart home ecosystem.

According to The Verge, the next Apple TV could feature a built-in microphone, allowing users to issue Siri commands without speaking into the remote or relying on a connected HomePod. The device could also serve as a smart home hub for controlling compatible equipment, including thermostats and door locks.

The updated streaming box is expected to use Apple's A19 chip to power Siri AI features. Its remote could also gain an integrated speaker, making it easier to locate when misplaced, The Verge reported. Apple has not confirmed these specifications.

What Hi-Fi? has highlighted the Apple TV 4K's picture and sound quality as major reasons to consider the device over streaming applications built directly into televisions. The publication also praised tvOS for its responsiveness, integration with the iPhone, and home screen design.

However, the current model has become more expensive in some markets. What Hi-Fi? reported that the base model's price in the United Kingdom increased from £139 to £199, while the 128GB model with Ethernet rose from £169 to £249.

The second-generation HomePod mini is also expected to receive substantial internal upgrades. According to 9to5Mac, citing Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the speaker could replace its existing S5 processor with an S10 chip, enabling Siri AI capabilities for the first time in Apple's Home product lineup.

The upgraded speaker could also incorporate Apple's N1 networking chip, support Wi-Fi 7, and provide Thread and Matter connectivity. The current HomePod mini supports Wi-Fi 4, making the reported networking changes a significant hardware update.

Apple is also expected to introduce new color options, including pink, green, and blue, alongside the existing midnight and white finishes. The company has not confirmed the final specifications or pricing of the device.

According to 9to5Mac, the HomePod mini's price increased from $99 to $129 in June amid broader memory-related price increases. The publication expects the new model to retain that price, although Apple has not announced official pricing.

Beyond the two devices, Apple's upcoming smart home lineup could include a new hub called HomeView and accessories developed in collaboration with LG, according to 9to5Mac. The HomeView device is expected to arrive in mid-November, later than the anticipated October 30 launch window for the Apple TV and HomePod mini.

GSMArena reported that Apple has classified the original 2017 Apple TV 4K as vintage. Apple's classification generally applies to products more than five years past the end of their sales period, while obsolete status applies after more than seven years. Vintage devices may still qualify for service, although official repairs can be more difficult to obtain.

Apple's October 13 event is expected to provide more information about its smart home plans, with the updated Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini potentially scheduled to reach stores on October 30.