Apple TV 4K refresh tipped for late 2026 with A17 Pro chip

Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini refreshes with A17 Pro and S9 chips are reportedly ready to launch but have been delayed by new Siri AI features. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, both products have been ready for months, with Apple employees actively using them at Cupertino headquarters.

What the leak says

The refreshed HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K "were designed to launch in tandem with the new Siri and Apple Intelligence updates," according to Gurman's report. The devices are waiting for AI features Apple announced at WWDC 2024, which have yet to debut on its machines.

• Apple TV 4K expected to get A17 Pro chip (currently uses A15 Bionic from 2022)
• HomePod mini expected to get S9 chip (currently uses S5 chip from 2020)
• Siri Remote could receive internal changes
• Launch timing dependent on new AI Siri features

Apple faces multiple lawsuits over the delayed AI features and recently settled a false-advertising lawsuit for £250 million. The AI features are reportedly almost ready for this fall debut.

Why the Apple TV 4K upgrade matters

The jump from A15 Bionic to A17 Pro represents a significant performance leap for Apple's streaming box. The A17 Pro, currently found in iPhone 15 Pro models, offers improved graphics performance and efficiency over the three-year-old A15 chip.

For HomePod mini owners, the S9 chip upgrade would be even more dramatic. The current S5 chip debuted in 2020, making this a six-year hardware jump. The S9 chip powers Apple Watch Series 9 and enables features like Siri processing without internet connectivity.

The thing is, these upgrades align with Apple's broader push into AI-powered smart home experiences. The company's partnership with Google for Gemini AI integration suggests major changes coming to Siri capabilities.

What about Apple's AI smart glasses?

Apple's rival to Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses has hit development snags. Codenamed N50, the project timeline has shifted from early 2026 to end of 2027 due to developmental challenges.

Apple reportedly doesn't just want to compete with Meta's smart glasses. The company expects to disrupt the entire eyewear market, targeting brands selling sunglasses between £200-500 like Ray-Ban, Oakley, Chanel, Tommy Hilfiger, and Hugo Boss.

This ambitious scope suggests Apple sees smart glasses as a mainstream accessory category, not just a tech gadget. The delayed timeline indicates the company won't rush to market with half-baked features.

HomePod mini's overdue refresh

The HomePod mini has remained virtually unchanged since its 2020 launch. At four years old, it's Apple's most stagnant product in terms of hardware updates. The S9 chip would bring significant improvements to processing power and enable new AI features.

Current HomePod mini users have been waiting for meaningful upgrades beyond colour options. The S9 chip could enable features like on-device Siri processing, improved sound quality through better audio processing, and integration with upcoming smart home features.

The timing makes sense given Apple's renewed focus on smart home products and the growing competition from Amazon Echo and Google Nest speakers with advanced AI capabilities.

Expected launch timeline

No specific launch dates or pricing have been confirmed by Apple. Gurman's report suggests the devices will launch this fall alongside new Siri AI features, likely during Apple's traditional September-October product refresh cycle.

Current Apple TV 4K starts at £149 for 64GB and £169 for 128GB models. HomePod mini retails for £99. Pricing for refreshed models remains unknown, though Apple typically maintains similar price points for hardware refreshes.

Both products would likely arrive at UAE retailers simultaneously with global launch, following Apple's standard release pattern for its smart home products.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the new Apple TV 4K expected to launch?

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the new Apple TV 4K is expected to launch this fall alongside new AI Siri features and Apple Intelligence updates.

What new features are expected in the refreshed HomePod mini?

The refreshed HomePod mini is expected to receive an S9 chip upgrade and support for new AI Siri features, marking its first major hardware update since 2020.

What is delaying the launch of these Apple devices?

The devices are reportedly ready but waiting for new AI Siri features and Apple Intelligence updates to debut, which are expected this fall.

When are Apple's AI smart glasses expected to be released?

Apple's AI smart glasses project (codenamed N50) has been delayed to the end of 2027 due to developmental challenges, pushed back from the original early 2026 timeline.

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