Powerful Apple TV with new remote and chip, HomePod mini 2026 launch imminent, reveals leak

In a lengthy report dominated by future plans for the first Apple smart glasses, the company’s home entertainment lineup is also due for a long-awaited update, says one of the top tipsters.

The leaked info assures Apple users that hardware refreshes for both the Apple TV and HomePod mini have been finished and ready for production for months, but were delayed by the postponed rollout of Apple’s revamped AI-powered Siri.

In line with Apple’s broader AI strategy, the primary motivation for these hardware updates is to provide the necessary compute power to run the next generation of "Apple Intelligence."

• Apple TV: The next-gen Apple TV is expected to feature an upgraded processor, likely an A17 Pro chip (from the iPhone 15 Pro), to better handle AI tasks and supposedly console-quality gaming. While the industrial design is expected to remain largely unchanged from the 2010-era aesthetic, there is a possibility of minor refinements to the remote control.
• HomePod mini: Code-named B525, the compact smart speaker is said to see a significant internal boost, replacing its aging S5 chip with a more capable, modern processor from the S-series family. This upgrade is essential to support the upcoming, more conversational and context-aware version of Siri.

Once again, according to the leaked info, the reason these devices have not yet hit the shelves is a strategic decision by Apple to ensure they launch in tandem with its major software overhaul. Both products were designed specifically to leverage the advanced AI capabilities debuting in iOS 27 and its corresponding tvOS and HomePod software updates.

Apple has essentially been holding back these hardware releases to avoid launching "smart" home devices that couldn't fully utilize the company's new, highly anticipated AI assistant. With the software now scheduled for a release this fall (though we should get a preview at WWDC 2026), these hardware refreshes are expected to finally make their debut, marking a long-overdue update for Apple’s home ecosystem.