New Apple TV and HomePod Mini with updates before launch
Ahead of Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event on Tuesday, renowned Apple journalist Mark Gurman from Bloomberg predicts several other product updates in addition to the iPhone 17 series, three new Apple Watch models, and the AirPods Pro 3. These include updated versions of the Apple TV, HomePod mini, and AirTag, as well as the iPad Pro and Apple’s Vision Pro headset.
In his previous reports, he said that all five of these devices would be updated later this year. Thus, the new products could also be unveiled at the iPhone event.
It’s unlikely that all five devices will be announced next week, as that would be too many new products at once, but perhaps one or two will debut. There’s precedent for Apple TV and HomePod mini announcements at iPhone events, and a new AirTag wouldn’t come too soon either. As for the iPad Pro and the Vision Pro headset, it’s more likely that these devices won’t be updated until October.
Alternatively, the devices could only be announced in a press release on the Apple Newsroom website, especially if the updates are minor.
Apple TV with A17 Pro chipset
According to a combination of Gurman’s report today and previous rumors, the following new features and changes are expected for each device:
- Apple TV: A faster A17 Pro chip, which supports next year’s redesigned Siri with Apple Intelligence, as well as an Apple-designed Wi-Fi chip with Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 support. Rumors suggest a future Apple TV will have a built-in FaceTime camera, but it’s unclear whether this will be included in the next model.
- HomePod mini: S9 chip or newer with support for next year’s redesigned version of Siri with Apple Intelligence, an Apple-designed Wi-Fi chip with Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 support, improved sound quality, a newer ultra-wideband chip, and possibly new color options like red.
- AirTag: Up to three times greater object-tracking range compared to the current AirTag, a more tamper-resistant speaker, and Low battery warnings.
- iPad Pro: M5 chipset and two front cameras for photos and video calls in portrait and landscape mode.
- Vision Pro: A faster M4 or M5 chip, a new headband for more comfort, and possibly a lighter titanium case.
The event on Tuesday, September 9, will take place at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. We will report in detail on all new products.
