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12 New Things to Expect From Apple in October

October is about to become a very busy month for Apple, with the company set to release the iPhone Duo, both iOS 27.1 and iOS 27.2, and a new Mac Studio configuration with 512GB of RAM. In addition, up to seven more Apple products may be unveiled this month, including an all-new smart home hub, a new Apple TV 4K, a new HomePod mini, an iPad mini with an OLED display, MacBook Pro models with OLED displays, and more. Below, we have outlined 12 new things to expect from Apple in October. This article was published previously and updated with the latest rumors. Confirmed iPhone Duo: The foldable iPhone Duo launches on Friday, October 23. Pre-orders begin Friday, October 16 at 5 a.m. Pacific Time. iOS 27.1: Apple said the iPhone Duo will ship with iOS 27.1 , so the software update is expected to be released before October 23. iOS 27.2: Apple jumped ahead to an iOS 27.2 beta because iOS 27.1 is dedicated to the iPhone Duo. iOS 27.2 adds support for the five additional Siri AI languages that Apple promised would be coming in October, so accordingly we can expect iOS 27.2 to be released at some point during the month. Mac Studio (512GB RAM): While the new Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips was released last week, Apple said a high-end configuration with the M5 Ultra and 512GB of RAM will be available in "late October ." Rumored The following three devices will be unveiled on Tuesday, October 13 , according to a report from Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman: Home hub: An all-new Apple smart home hub featuring Siri AI, a 6-inch to 7-inch square display, an A18 chip or newer for Apple Intelligence, FaceTime, and more. A new operating system will feature clock faces, widgets, and more. There will be a tabletop version with a speaker base and a wall-mounted version. ↳ homeOS: Apple's smart home hub is expected to run an all-new operating system that may be named homeOS, according to trademark filings. Apple TV 4K (4th Generation): A19 or A19 Pro chip , an increased 8GB to 12GB of RAM for Apple Intelligence and Siri AI support, an Apple-designed N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 support, and an updated Siri Remote . A leak revealed the new Apple TV will look the same as the existing model . HomePod mini 2: Newer chip, Siri AI support, improved sound quality, Apple's N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 support, a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, and new color options, including pink and green . No major design changes. Apple is planning to unveil a second set of new products in the final week of October , according to MacRumors sources. While we do not know exactly which products are coming at this time, it is likely that the following Macs will be announced: 14" and 16" MacBook Pro models with OLED displays: A major MacBook Pro redesign with an OLED display, touchscreen support, M5 Pro and M5 Max chips , a Dynamic Island , a thinner-and-lighter design , and potentially Apple's C1X or C2 modem for built-in cellular connectivity . 24" iMac: M6 chip and new color options . 14" MacBook Pro: M6 chip . A new iPad mini is also expected at some point in October: iPad mini 8: OLED display , A20 Pro chip , landscape front camera , redesigned speaker system , and water-resistant design . Apple has yet to announce an October event. When it held a "Scary Fast" event on October 30, 2023, Apple sent out invites six days prior , on October 24. Today is six days before the October 13 date that Apple reportedly plans to unveil an all-new home hub, so we shall see if history repeats itself and invites go out today. If there are no October events planned, then expect press releases on the Apple Newsroom website, along with shorter per-product YouTube videos and hands-on gatherings for selected journalists and content creators. This article, " 12 New Things to Expect From Apple in October " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple HomePod MacBook Pro

Oct 7, 2026 · byMacRumors

LG Making Doorbell, Lock, and Cameras for Apple's Home Hub

Apple is working with LG Electronics on smart home accessories that will integrate with the upcoming home hub and other Apple home products, reports Bloomberg . LG is making a wired video doorbell, thermostat, smart deadbolt lock, temperature sensor, indoor security camera, outdoor security camera, and floodlight camera, according to documents LG submitted to the Federal Communications Commission and UL Solutions. Apple is not mentioned in the filings, and LG asked the FCC to keep details confidential. The devices will be built and branded by LG, though Bloomberg says Apple helped develop them. This arrangement with so-called second-party suppliers gives Apple a way to quickly expand its ecosystem without shouldering the full cost and complexity of producing and supporting a wide range of accessories. Apple can also help shape the products' design, tailor their features and oversee engineering while keeping the work largely under wraps. While Apple is expected to introduce the rumored home hub, a new Apple TV 4K, and a new HomePod mini on October 13, the LG accessories won't be ready to launch for a few months. Several of LG's devices support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread, and Matter, with the lock also offering UWB support for close-proximity auto-unlocking. Apple has worked with LG frequently. It uses LG Display components in its devices, and when Apple didn't sell Apple-branded displays, it teamed up with LG for 4K and 5K UltraFine monitors made for Macs. LG is not known for smart home accessories, but it bought a majority stake in smart home platform Homey in 2024. LG may be aiming to compete with Samsung SmartThings, Amazon Ring, Google Nest, and other smart home brands. Tags: Apple Command Center , LG This article, " LG Making Doorbell, Lock, and Cameras for Apple's Home Hub " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Bloomberg FCC

Oct 6, 2026 · byMacRumors

Apple TV 4K Rumored to Support Four HomePods for Surround Sound

Last month, a proven leaker revealed that Apple has tested the ability to connect four HomePods to an Apple TV 4K for surround sound, with the HomePods intended to be arranged in front-left, front-right, rear-left, and rear-right positions. Now further evidence of this functionality has surfaced ahead of an announcement from Apple. First, the same leaker known as "pdfu" has uncovered additional code related to a four-HomePod surround sound system in the latest beta of audioOS, which is Apple's internal name for the HomePod's operating system. For example, on the third audioOS 27.2 beta, he said that "Siri can match a speaker to its surround system." Second, MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris discovered that the third beta of macOS 27.2 contains two new SF Symbols depicting a group of four speakers in a room. While the HomePod is not mentioned in the names of the symbols, one of them appears to show a basic top-down view of HomePods, and the other mentions that the four speakers are part of a home theater setup. The timing of these symbols being added by Apple suggests they could be related to the rumored four-HomePod surround sound functionality. Apple plans to unveil new HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K models on Tuesday, October 13 , according to Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman, while he said that the full-sized HomePod will be updated " eventually ." However, it is unclear if this surround-sound functionality will require new HomePods. The leaker "pdfu" previously said that Apple tested two different setups, including four second-generation HomePods, and two second-generation HomePods in front positions paired with two unreleased speakers in rear positions. It is also unclear if any existing Apple TV 4K models will support four HomePods, or if the functionality will be limited to the upcoming model. Currently, you can set two HomePod or HomePod mini speakers as the default audio output on all Apple TV 4K models for stereo sound. With new HomePod and Apple TV models on the horizon, and all of the mounting evidence across Apple's software code and symbols, it seems likely that Apple will unveil this new functionality fairly soon, barring any last-minute issues. Related Roundups: Apple TV , HomePod , HomePod mini Tag: pdfu Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy) , HomePod (Caution) , HomePod Mini (Don't Buy) Related Forums: Apple TV and Home Theater , HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology This article, " Apple TV 4K Rumored to Support Four HomePods for Surround Sound " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple HomePod Siri

Oct 6, 2026 · byMacRumors

HomePod Mini Waits Reach Eight Weeks Ahead of Rumored Refresh

HomePod mini shipping estimates now stretch to as long as eight weeks in several countries, while some colors are unavailable for delivery, adding to signs that a rumored refresh may be close. On Apple's U.S. online store , yellow and orange are currently unavailable for delivery to various ZIP codes. Blue and white have estimated delivery dates of October 14–21, while midnight is estimated for October 12–14. Dates may differ by address. In the UK , blue is unavailable for delivery, yellow is estimated to ship in three to four weeks, and orange in six to eight weeks. The orange model also has a six-to-eight-week shipping estimate in Germany , France , Australia , and Japan . Both yellow and orange are unavailable for delivery in Canada , although other colors generally ship within a few business days. The delays come ahead of a rumored October 13 introduction of a new ‌HomePod mini‌, alongside an updated Apple TV 4K and a new smart home hub. The ‌HomePod mini‌ 2 is expected to retain its current design while gaining a faster chip, Apple Intelligence support, and new color options . Similar ‌HomePod mini‌ shortages have occurred intermittently for more than a year , but there is often a correlation between delays and the launch of new products. Related Roundup: HomePod mini Buyer's Guide: HomePod Mini (Don't Buy) Related Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology This article, " HomePod Mini Waits Reach Eight Weeks Ahead of Rumored Refresh " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Apple Intelligence Australien

Oct 6, 2026 · byMacRumors

Sources: Apple Planning Two Sets of Product Launches in October

Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman recently reported that Apple plans to unveil an all-new home hub, a new HomePod mini, and a new Apple TV 4K on Tuesday, October 13 , and MacRumors has since learned about another launch slated for later in the month. Apple is planning to unveil additional new products in the final week of October, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. While we do not know exactly which products Apple plans to announce in the final week of October, the most likely possibilities are all Macs, including the long-rumored "MacBook Ultra" models with OLED displays and a thinner-and-lighter design , a base model 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M6 chip , and an iMac with an M6 chip . Apple also previously announced that it will be releasing a high-end Mac Studio configuration with the M5 Ultra chip and 512GB of RAM in " late October ." Another new product expected this October is a new iPad mini with an OLED display, an A20 Pro chip, a landscape front camera, a redesigned speaker system, and more. It is unclear if the device will be announced alongside new home products on October 13, alongside new Macs in the final week of October, or at some other point this month. All in all, it appears that Apple has two sets of product launches planned for this October, and that is on top of the iPhone Duo launching on Friday, October 23. Get ready, as it is about to be a busy couple of weeks in the world of Apple. This article, " Sources: Apple Planning Two Sets of Product Launches in October " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Bloomberg HomePod

Oct 6, 2026 · byMacRumors

Apple Event Reportedly Planned for October 13

Last week, Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman reported that Apple plans to unveil an all-new smart home hub, a new HomePod mini, and a new Apple TV 4K on Tuesday, October 13 . In his Power On newsletter today , Gurman specified that "Apple is planning to hold an event" that day. Tags: Apple Event , Mark Gurman This article, " Apple Event Reportedly Planned for October 13 " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Bloomberg HomePod

Oct 5, 2026 · byMacRumors

Top Stories: Apple Smart Home Launch on October 13, iPhone Duo Production Issues, and More

Apple Stores Receive 'Do Not Open' Boxes Ahead of Smart Home Products Launch

Apple Stores around the world are preparing to install new product presentations starting on Thursday, October 8. Apple retail stores received confidential boxes earlier this week featuring "Do Not Open Until October 8" stickers on them. They are believed to contain new visual merchandise, which enables workers to update labels, graphics, and product layouts in stores around the release of new products. MacRumors received a tip-off about the boxes earlier this week, which it has now independently verified. There is a possibility that the materials relate to the iPhone Duo , but it seems more likely given their confidentiality and timing that they relate to the rumored launch of Apple's smart home hub , alongside a new Apple TV 4K, and the HomePod mini 2. Yesterday, Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman said that Apple plans to introduce these three long-awaited new devices on Tuesday, October 13 . If Apple announces the new devices sometime in the week of Monday, October 5, Apple Stores would need to update their displays for launch on October 13. For now, the exact timing of the announcement of the trio is unclear. Gurman's report used indeterminate wording, simply saying that Apple would "push into the smart-home market on October 13." This could be either announcement or launch. Related Roundups: Apple TV , HomePod mini Tags: Apple Command Center , Apple Smart Home Display , Retail Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy) , HomePod Mini (Don't Buy) Related Forums: Apple TV and Home Theater , HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology This article, " Apple Stores Receive 'Do Not Open' Boxes Ahead of Smart Home Products Launch " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Bloomberg HomePod

Oct 1, 2026 · byMacRumors

Apple Event on October 13?

Earlier this week, Daring Fireball 's John Gruber floated Tuesday, October 13 as a potential date for Apple to hand out iPhone Duo review units to selected reviewers in person, and it appears that he might have been on to something. Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman today reported that Apple plans to unveil its all-new smart home hub, a second-generation HomePod mini, and a new Apple TV 4K model on October 13 , the same date that Gruber mentioned in his speculative piece a few days ago. In a separate post , Gruber opined that there is "no way" that Apple would unveil the home hub through an Apple Newsroom announcement only, given it is an all-new device with an all-new interface. "If this is coming, it has to be unveiled with a keynote video and some sort of media event with hands-on demos," he said. If Gruber is right that the home hub "has to be unveiled with a keynote video," that would set the stage for an online-only Apple Event that would be streamed on Apple's website and YouTube on October 13. Afterwards, Apple would likely hold a hands-on experience for the media, allowing them to demo the products that were announced. The same thing happened in October 2023. On October 24 that year, Apple announced that it would be holding an online-only Apple Event on October 30, which was streamed on Apple's website and YouTube. Later that day, Apple allowed selected journalists and content creators to go hands-on with the Macs unveiled during the event in person. During the hands-on experience, selected individuals could also receive an iPhone Duo review unit in hand, allowing Apple to avoid a first-of-its-kind iPhone getting lost in the mail before it launches on Friday, October 23. Apple typically gives out review units around a week before a device launches, so the timing would line up. In any case, mark your calendars, as it sounds like October 13 will be a big day for Apple. If there is an October 13 event, expect Apple to announce it by next week. Tag: Apple Event This article, " Apple Event on October 13? " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Bloomberg HomePod

Sep 30, 2026 · byMacRumors

Apple is reportedly preparing a big smart home launch: New smart display, HomePod on the way

Apple is reportedly gearing up for a big push into the smart home space, with a new HomePod and smart display coming in October.

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Apple HomePod

Sep 30, 2026 · byMashable

Apple Still Plans to Release a New Full-Sized HomePod

Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman today briefly mentioned that "Apple aims to eventually update its larger HomePod," assuring that the company remains committed to the full-sized speaker, which was discontinued in 2021 and reintroduced in 2023 . The report said a new HomePod mini, new Apple TV 4K, and an all-new Apple smart home hub will all be announced on Tuesday, October 13 , but it sounds like a new version of the full-sized HomePod will not be unveiled until a later date. If and when it does finally arrive, expect support for the more intelligent Siri AI to be a key new feature. Siri AI support would require a faster chip—the current HomePod uses the Apple Watch Series 7's S7 chip. Other likely upgrades include improved audio quality, new color options, and Apple's custom-designed N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support. The full-sized HomePod is a relatively niche product, but it is a convenient choice for Apple fans with home theater setups. A pair of HomePods can be set as an Apple TV 4K's default audio output, allowing for stereo sound. In June, Apple raised prices on more than a dozen products, including the full-sized HomePod. In the U.S., the current model is now priced at $349, up from $299 when it was released in 2023. The first-generation HomePod was initially $349 too when it launched in 2018, so the speaker's pricing has come full circle. Related Roundup: HomePod Tag: Mark Gurman Buyer's Guide: HomePod (Caution) This article, " Apple Still Plans to Release a New Full-Sized HomePod " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

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Apple Bloomberg HomePod

Sep 30, 2026 · byMacRumors

Apple Working to Expand HomeKit

Apple is working to revamp HomeKit amid a new push into the smart home market, according to Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman . In a report that detailed the impending launch of next-generation Apple TV and HomePod mini models , as well as Apple's all-new smart home hub , Gurman said that the company is developing broader smart-home ecosystem software for its devices. Apple apparently plans to expand the ‌HomeKit‌ platform with support for new categories of connected products. The company is also said to be working with third-party manufacturers on new devices designed for the Siri AI-powered smart home platform. The new Apple TV , HomePod mini , and smart home hub are set to be introduced on Tuesday, October 13, Gurman claims . Tags: Bloomberg , HomeKit , Mark Gurman This article, " Apple Working to Expand HomeKit " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Apple TV Bloomberg

Sep 30, 2026 · byMacRumors

Apple’s ‘HomePad’ will reportedly launch on October 13th

Apple's long-rumored smart home hub will reportedly be revealed on October 13th. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that the smart home device will be revealed alongside a new HomePod mini and an upgraded Apple TV device. All three products are set to showcase Siri AI, Apple's overhauled AI-powered assistant. The smart home hub, a new product […]

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Apple Apple TV Bloomberg

Sep 30, 2026 · byThe Verge

Three New Apple Smart Home Products Coming on October 13

Apple plans to introduce a series of new smart home products on Tuesday, October 13, according to Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman . Apple reportedly plans to debut its long-awaited smart home hub device, a new HomePod mini , and a new Apple TV . The new ‌HomePod mini‌ and ‌Apple TV‌ are set to retain their existing designs, but tout faster chips to support Siri AI. The new ‌HomePod mini‌ will also come in new color options, including pink and green. All three products are set to showcase ‌Siri‌ AI, which apparently explains the delay in their launch. All three were originally planned to launch in 2024. Apple plans to update the larger HomePod at a later date. A privacy-focused home security camera and sensor is also in the works. The device can detect which room a person is in and does not record video. Apple also continues to work on a higher-end version of the home hub, featuring a 9-inch display mounted on a robotic arm that can swivel 360 degrees. Related Roundups: Apple TV , HomePod mini Tags: Apple Command Center , Bloomberg , Mark Gurman Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy) , HomePod Mini (Don't Buy) Related Forums: Apple TV and Home Theater , HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology This article, " Three New Apple Smart Home Products Coming on October 13 " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Apple TV Bloomberg

Sep 30, 2026 · byMacRumors

Apple plans to make push into smart-home market on Oct 13

‌Apple is planning to make its long-delayed push into the smart-home market ⁠on October 13, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing ‌people familiar with the matter. A smart-home ‌hub code-named J490 is ‌at the ‌center of ‌Apple's strategy and the company also plans ‌to announce the ⁠first update to the HomePod mini since ⁠that ⁠device's 2020 debut and its ⁠first new TV set-top box since 2022, the report said. Apple did not ‌immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

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Apple Bloomberg HomePod

Sep 30, 2026 · byMobile Business

12 New Things to Expect From Apple This October

October will be an especially busy month for Apple this year, with the company set to release the iPhone Duo, both iOS 27.1 and iOS 27.2, and a new Mac Studio configuration with 512GB of RAM. In addition, up to six more Apple products may be unveiled next month, such as new iPad mini, HomePod mini, and Apple TV 4K models. Below, we have outlined 12 new things to expect from Apple this October. Confirmed iPhone Duo: The foldable iPhone Duo launches on Friday, October 23. Pre-orders begin Friday, October 16 at 5 a.m. Pacific Time. iOS 27.1: Apple said the iPhone Duo will ship with iOS 27.1 , so the software update is expected to be released before October 23. iOS 27.2: Apple jumped ahead to an iOS 27.2 beta because iOS 27.1 is dedicated to the iPhone Duo. iOS 27.2 adds support for the five additional Siri AI languages that Apple promised would be coming in October, so accordingly we can expect iOS 27.2 to be released at some point during the month. Mac Studio (512GB RAM): While the new Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips was released last week, Apple said a high-end configuration with the M5 Ultra and 512GB of RAM will be available in late October . Rumored iPad mini 8: OLED display , A20 Pro chip , landscape front camera , redesigned speaker system , and water-resistant design . 24" iMac: M6 chip and new color options . 14" MacBook Pro: M6 chip . 14" and 16" MacBook Pro models with OLED displays: A major MacBook Pro redesign in late 2026 with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips , an OLED display, a touch screen, a Dynamic Island, and a thinner design. Apple TV 4K (4th Generation): A19 or A19 Pro chip , an increased 8GB to 12GB of RAM for Apple Intelligence and Siri AI support, an Apple-designed N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 support, and an updated Siri Remote . A leak revealed the new Apple TV will look the same as the existing model . HomePod mini 2: Newer chip, Siri AI support, improved sound quality, Apple's N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 support, a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, and new color options, including pink and green . No major design changes. Home hub: An all-new Apple smart home hub featuring Siri AI, a 6-inch to 7-inch square display, an A18 chip or newer for Apple Intelligence, FaceTime, and more. A new operating system will feature clock faces, widgets, and more. There will be a tabletop version with a speaker base and a wall-mounted version. homeOS: Apple's smart home hub is expected to run an all-new operating system that may be named homeOS, according to trademark filings. This article, " 12 New Things to Expect From Apple This October " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

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Apple Apple TV HomePod

Sep 28, 2026 · byMacRumors

New iPad mini to come with A20 Pro chip and landscape camera, report says

Apple is preparing to launch the new iPad mini, as well as HomePod mini 2 and a new version of Apple TV 4K.

Apple HomePod

Sep 28, 2026 · byMashable

Top Stories: Apple Leaks, Siri AI Settlement, and More

Apple's HomePod mini 2 will reportedly come in new colors, but feature a similar design

It's been six years since the original model.

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Apple HomePod

Sep 25, 2026 · byEngadget

Leaks reveal a new Apple HomePod mini, iPad mini, and Apple TV 4K

Apple is expected to announce more hardware before the end of the year following the debut of the iPhone 18 Pro and folding iPhone Duo earlier this month. The updated products will include a new version of the HomePod mini, the iPad mini 8, and the Apple TV 4K, according to details and images discovered […]

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Apple Apple TV HomePod

Sep 25, 2026 · byThe Verge

iPad Mini With A20 Pro, New HomePod Mini Colors, and New Apple TV 4K All Just Leaked

MacRumors has just leaked the next iPad mini, HomePod mini, and Apple TV 4K models, all of which are likely to be announced this October. The most notable iPad mini details revealed in the leaks include an A20 Pro chip, a new speaker design, and a landscape front camera, while images have revealed that the next HomePod mini will be available in new colors like green and pink. There is also evidence of an upcoming "Apple TV 4K (4th generation)" model, so it appears that a new Apple TV is finally coming soon after a four-year wait. We have recapped all of our leaks below: iPad Mini 8 Leaked: A20 Pro Chip, Landscape Camera, and More Exclusive: First Look at HomePod Mini 2 in Three New Colors New Apple TV Leaked October is a common month for Apple to announce products, so the new iPad mini, HomePod mini, and Apple TV 4K might be no more than a few weeks away. Related Roundups: Apple TV , HomePod mini , iPad mini Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy) , HomePod Mini (Don't Buy) , iPad Mini (Don't Buy) Related Forums: Apple TV and Home Theater , HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology , iPad This article, " iPad Mini With A20 Pro, New HomePod Mini Colors, and New Apple TV 4K All Just Leaked " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple Apple TV HomePod

Sep 25, 2026 · byMacRumors

Exclusive: First Look at HomePod Mini 2 in Three New Colors

Apple's new HomePod mini will share the same design as the original model and come in five colors, MacRumors has found. The information originates from Apple's own code (spotted by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris) and shows clear product images of the new models in all of their colors. The above image contains Apple's own icons, which specifically refer to a "‌HomePod mini‌ 2." The new ‌HomePod mini‌ will come in green, pink, blue, white, and black. The current model comes in yellow, orange, blue, white, and midnight. The new blue is slightly lighter than the current offering. We are not sharing the exact details of the files, but their presence in Apple's code suggests that the product is likely to launch soon. Apple announced the original ‌HomePod mini‌ in October 2020 for $99. Available initially in white and space gray, the 3.3-inch speaker features a fabric-covered spherical design and a backlit touch surface for playback and volume controls. Its S5 chip powers computational audio, while a full-range driver, two passive radiators, and an acoustic waveguide deliver 360-degree sound. It also offers Siri , smart home control, multiroom audio, stereo pairing with a second ‌HomePod mini‌, and Intercom messages between Apple devices. Apple later raised the price to $129. Apple has been rumored to be working on a new ‌HomePod mini‌ model for several years. A new chip is almost certain to come to the device, along with support for Siri AI . It is expected to launch before the end of 2026 . Related Roundup: HomePod mini Tag: HomePod Mini 2 Buyer's Guide: HomePod Mini (Don't Buy) Related Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology This article, " Exclusive: First Look at HomePod Mini 2 in Three New Colors " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple HomePod Siri

Sep 25, 2026 · byMacRumors

Siri AI Coming to HomePod

Apple's smarter, more capable version of Siri is expanding to the HomePod , according to details found by code sleuth pdfu . According to pdfu, ‌HomePod‌ Software 27 includes the system behind ‌Siri‌ AI, called "Linwood," along with new status lights in the ‌Siri‌ AI colors. Since ‌HomePod‌ Software 27 is out and ‌Siri‌ AI isn't available on existing HomePods, it's possible support will be limited to new ‌HomePod‌ models. Get ready for Siri AI on HomePod. audioOS 27 includes Linwood, the system behind Siri AI, plus a new look and sound for Siri on HomePod. May require new hardware. The new status lights emphasize white, blue and orange, matching Siri AI's palette on other devices. 🔊 Sound on pic.twitter.com/jZKzLx946y — pdfu (@itspdfu) September 23, 2026 Rumors suggest Apple is working on an updated HomePod mini , and the main upgrade will be a faster processor. Apple is expected to equip it with an S9 chip or newer, and it's possible the ‌HomePod mini‌ could even get the latest S11 chip that's in the Apple Watch Series 12. The Apple Watch Series 9 and later support ‌Siri‌ AI, though a connected iPhone with Apple Intelligence is required for the ‌Siri‌ functionality. The next ‌HomePod mini‌ models are expected to work in the same way, offering some ‌Siri‌ AI and ‌Apple Intelligence‌ features when used with a compatible iPhone. The ‌HomePod mini‌ isn't expected to get a redesign, but along with an updated processor, Apple could add its N1 networking chip, a newer Ultra Wideband chip, and updated colors. The Apple TV 4K is also expected to get a processor capable of supporting ‌Siri‌ AI, and Apple is working on a dedicated home hub with ‌Siri‌ AI integration. All of the new products, ‌HomePod mini‌ included, could launch as soon as October . Apple is also working on an updated full-size ‌HomePod‌, but it isn't clear when it will launch . Related Roundups: HomePod , HomePod mini Tag: Siri Buyer's Guide: HomePod (Caution) , HomePod Mini (Don't Buy) Related Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology This article, " Siri AI Coming to HomePod " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

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Apple Apple Intelligence HomePod

Sep 23, 2026 · byMacRumors

Apple Will Soon Announce an All-New Operating System

Apple is developing an all-new operating system that is essentially a mix of tvOS, watchOS, and iOS, according to Bloomberg 's Mark Gurman. In his latest Power On newsletter , Gurman reiterated that the operating system will feature a grid of app icons, widgets, and customizable clock faces. The new software platform is intended for Apple's long-rumored smart home hub . With built-in facial recognition, Gurman reported that the hub can identify who is looking at the display and show personalized information. As a user approaches the hub, or moves away from it, the size of the interface elements will automatically change. The operating system could be named homeOS, according to trademark activity from a shell company that is potentially linked to Apple. homeOS would join iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. The hub will essentially combine a HomePod-like speaker with a 6-inch or 7-inch square display. Siri AI is expected to be at the core of the new operating system, and other rumored features include FaceTime video calls, HomeKit accessory management, home security monitoring, photo galleries, a calendar, music playback, and more. Some of the preinstalled Apple apps that will apparently be available on the new platform include Calendar, Camera, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, Apple News, Reminders, Notes, and the all-new Siri app for Siri AI conversations. Finally, the platform will supposedly have multi-user support. Apple is expected to unveil the home hub as soon as October this year. Tag: homeOS This article, " Apple Will Soon Announce an All-New Operating System " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

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Apple Bloomberg HomePod

Sep 22, 2026 · byMacRumors