Your Living Room is Getting a Smart Upgrade An extensive leak of Apple’s hardware plans has revealed significant upgrades are coming to its home and entertainment devices. Both the Apple TV and the HomePod mini are on the list for a refresh, with changes that promise to make them faster, smarter, and more capable hubs for your digital life.
Apple TV: More Than Just a Streamer The next Apple TV is shaping up to be a powerhouse. The leak indicates it will be upgraded with the A17 Pro chip, a processor with serious graphical and AI capabilities. This move will enhance its performance as a streaming device but, more importantly, will position it as a formidable gaming machine and a central hub for Apple Intelligence in the home. Apple is also reportedly testing its own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth silicon, which could improve connectivity and integration.
HomePod mini: Small Speaker, Big Brain The diminutive HomePod mini is also getting a brain transplant. The next version is expected to feature a new chip based on recent Apple Watch architecture. This will give it a more powerful CPU and a dedicated Neural Engine, something the current model lacks. This upgrade should result in faster Siri responses, better computational audio, and a more responsive smart home experience.
A Cohesive Smart Home Strategy These updates show Apple is serious about strengthening its position in the smart home. By boosting the intelligence and performance of both its primary media hub (Apple TV) and its distributed audio and control point (HomePod mini), Apple is creating a more powerful and responsive home ecosystem. This leak confirms that the smart home is a key part of its long-term, multi-device strategy.