Apple seems to be quietly preparing a refresh for its popular HomePod mini smart speaker, as several major US retailers have either run out of stock or listed the current version as discontinued. This kind of retail activity often hints that a new model could be right around the corner, possibly launching as soon as this November. Alongside this, reports from industry insiders, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, suggest that Apple is also working on something much bigger, a HomePod with a built-in display, set to arrive in late 2025 or early 2026. Together, these moves point to a broader strategy by Apple to strengthen its position in the smart home space, an area long dominated by Amazon and Google.
Key Takeaways
- The HomePod mini, first launched in 2020, is due for a hardware refresh and could debut in November 2025.
- The updated model is expected to feature a faster S-series chip, likely the S9 or S10, and Apple’s new N1 Wi-Fi chip for improved connectivity.
- A brand-new HomePod with an integrated screen is in development and is expected to launch in 2026.
- The delayed release of the smart display may align with Apple’s rollout of Apple Intelligence and a revamped Siri experience.
HomePod Mini: New Chip and Faster Wi-Fi Expected
The current HomePod mini, priced at $99, runs on Apple’s S5 chip, the same one found in the Apple Watch Series 5 from 2019. The upcoming model, however, is expected to get a serious internal boost. Reports indicate that Apple might equip it with an S9 or even S10 chip, which would make Siri much faster and smarter while improving how the device handles computational audio tasks.
There’s also talk of Apple including its latest N1 networking chip, which could bring support for Wi-Fi 6E. This would allow for quicker data transfer and lower latency, especially useful for multi-room setups or stereo pairing. The exterior design will likely stay true to the current spherical shape that users are familiar with, though Apple might add a few new color options to freshen things up. It seems like one of those subtle product updates Apple tends to roll out quietly, without the fanfare of a big event.
The HomePod with a Screen: A Smart Hub to Rival Competitors
What’s perhaps more intriguing is Apple’s rumored plan to introduce a HomePod that comes with a built-in display. This new device, reportedly featuring a 6 to 7-inch screen, would place Apple squarely in competition with the Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub. The idea is to transform the HomePod from a simple speaker into a full-fledged smart home hub.
A display would change the entire user experience, letting people make video calls, view the weather or song lyrics, and interact with their smart home visually instead of just by voice. Early reports had suggested that this smart display might arrive by the end of 2024, but more recent updates point to a 2026 release window. The delay likely stems from Apple’s plan to tie the new device to its upcoming Apple Intelligence features and the next-generation Siri, which are still in development. And honestly, that timing makes sense, if the display’s main purpose is to showcase Apple’s intelligent software, it’s probably better to wait until it’s ready.
Expanding Apple’s Smart Home Ecosystem
At the moment, Apple’s smart home ecosystem relies heavily on its HomeKit platform, which connects and controls compatible accessories via the HomePod, iPhone, or other Apple devices. The HomePod mini and standard HomePod both act as Home Hubs, enabling automations and remote access.
These upcoming additions, the refreshed mini and the display-equipped model, seem to fit neatly into Apple’s larger vision. By enhancing the HomePod mini’s internals now, Apple is setting up its ecosystem to handle the demands of Apple Intelligence and the smarter, more capable Siri it’s planning to roll out.
In a way, this gradual approach feels very Apple. Rather than rushing into the market with flashy new hardware, the company is quietly laying the groundwork for a more cohesive, deeply integrated smart home experience. And while it might take a bit longer, the result could be a setup that finally brings Apple’s smart home ambitions up to speed with, or perhaps even ahead of, its biggest competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the current HomePod lineup available for purchase?
A. Apple’s current lineup includes the HomePod (2nd generation), released in February 2023, which offers high-fidelity audio and is priced at $299, and the compact HomePod mini, released in 2020, priced at $99. Both speakers function as smart home hubs and are powered by Siri.
Q. What chip does the current HomePod mini use, and why is an upgrade necessary?
A. The original HomePod mini uses the Apple S5 chip, which first appeared in the Apple Watch Series 5. An upgrade to a newer chip like the S9 or S10 is necessary to support more advanced computational audio, improve Siri’s speed and responsiveness, and prepare the device for future features, including deeper integration with Apple Intelligence capabilities.
Q. When will the HomePod with a screen be released?
A. While there is no official announcement from Apple, current industry rumors suggest the HomePod with a screen (a smart home display hub) is planned for a launch sometime in 2026. This release may be synchronized with the wider rollout of Apple’s advanced AI features.
Q. Will the new HomePod mini feature a USB-C port?
A. Given Apple’s recent transition of most products, including the iPhone and other accessories, to the USB-C standard, it is highly likely that the next-generation HomePod mini will also adopt a USB-C power port. However, no official product specifications have been confirmed.
