Apple Plans Apple TV 4K & HomePod Mini Refreshes Later in 2025
Apple is gearing up to release updated versions of the Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini later in 2025, pushing forward its smart home ambitions with new hardware tailored for Apple Intelligence and enhanced wireless performance.
⚙️ What’s Coming: New Chips and More
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that both devices will include Apple’s own Proxima Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi chip, offering support for Wi‑Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, enabling faster, more reliable connectivity across Apple’s smart home ecosystem (Business Standard, 9to5Mac, AppleInsider, Cinco Días).
The Apple TV 4K could arrive in October or November, aligning with Apple’s typical fall hardware event calendar (9to5Mac, AppleInsider).
🎥 Apple TV 4K: Smarter and More Powerful
The next-gen Apple TV 4K is expected to include:
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A powerful new chip (A17 Pro, A18, or even A18 Pro) and at least 8 GB RAM to support Apple Intelligence features like smarter Siri interactions and enhanced home control (AppleInsider).
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A sleeker, slightly smaller body and improved power efficiency.
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A redesigned interface powered by tvOS 26’s “Liquid Glass” visuals, better FaceTime, iPhone-as-mic support, AirPlay enhancements, and Thread 1.4 support for Matter compatibility with HomePod and other devices (Apple, Wikipedia).
Apple TV 4K will continue to serve as a home hub, central to managing Apple Home and Matter accessories (Wikipedia).
🎙️ HomePod Mini Update: A New Era
Apple plans to refresh the HomePod Mini in 2025 with:
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The same Proxima Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth chip, bringing Wi‑Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 to the device for better pairing and smart home control (MacRumors, Cinco Días).
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Processor upgrades that could support Siri improvements and more voice‑driven experiences.
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Likely tighter integration with Apple Intelligence features and homeOS support for smarter automations (Apple Support, The Sun).
🏠 What This Means for Apple Home Ecosystem
These updates are key steps toward Apple’s broader AI-powered smart home strategy:
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New wireless chips mean better connectivity and unified control across devices.
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Apple Intelligence support hints at smarter voice control, better automation, and potentially even AI-enhanced features like contextual Siri.
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tvOS 26 and homeOS together suggest a future where Apple Home is more immersive and intuitive.
Additionally, Apple is working on a separate HomePod with a built-in display (6–7 inches)—sometimes called “Command Center”—expected to ship in late 2025. It may feature an A18 Bionic chip, visual widgets, Siri voice + ChatGPT support, and rechargeable mobility, but is delayed compared to earlier plans (The Sun, Cinco Días, Tom's Guide).
📅 Timeline at a Glance
| Device | Expected Launch Window | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Apple TV 4K | Late 2025 (Oct–Nov) | Proxima chip, AI support, tvOS 26 UI |
| HomePod Mini | 2025 | Wireless upgrades, Apple Intelligence readiness |
| HomePod with Display | Late 2025 | 6–7″ screen, A18 chip, homeOS, Siri/ChatGPT voice |
✅ Summary
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Apple aims to refresh its smart home lineup in late 2025, starting with Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini updates.
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Hardware upgrades include Apple’s Proxima networking chip, enhanced RAM/chips for AI features, and improved Home connectivity.
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Software support comes from tvOS 26, Thread 1.4 for Matter, and future homeOS capabilities.
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A separate HomePod with a display is also coming by year-end, albeit slightly delayed from earlier expectations, signaling Apple’s deepening push into intelligent home hubs.