New Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini 2: Finally Ready, Waiting on Siri

After years of rumors and months of delays, the hardware for the next-generation Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini is finally complete. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, both devices have been "nearly ready to go" and are already in active use by Apple employees at its Cupertino headquarters [7]. The only thing holding them back is software: Apple is waiting for the more personalized, AI-powered version of Siri to be ready [7].

Hardware: A17 Pro, S10 Chip, N1 Networking and Wi-Fi 7

Both new devices focus on internal upgrades rather than radical redesigns. The emphasis is on raw performance and connectivity to support Apple Intelligence and the new Siri.

The Apple TV 4K is poised for a significant performance leap. The current A15 Bionic chip is adequate, but the jump to the A17 Pro brings two key advantages: it is the oldest chip that supports Apple Intelligence, and its extra headroom will be essential for running the new, more complex Siri locally [7]. The inclusion of Apple's custom N1 chip will bring next-generation connectivity with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support, transforming the Apple TV into a more capable smart home hub [7]. Gurman also notes that the Siri Remote may be "refreshed in some form," though he offered no specific details [7].

The new HomePod mini 2 represents a much-needed generational overhaul. Its new S10 chip is rated to deliver a 50% performance boost in both CPU and GPU tasks, which is critical for handling on-device AI processing [19]. Wireless capabilities are getting a major upgrade from Wi-Fi 4 to Wi-Fi 6E, alongside Bluetooth 5.3 and a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for more seamless handoffs [19]. On the audio front, Apple has redesigned the full-range driver for better bass and clarity, while also optimizing the microphone array for improved voice pickup in noisy environments [19]. A new red color option has also been rumored [7].

The Siri Bottleneck: Why the Delay?

The prolonged delay stems from one crucial software milestone: the "more personalized" version of Siri. Initially promised in 2025, this AI-powered assistant has faced repeated setbacks. Apple is now targeting its launch with iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27, which will be previewed at WWDC on June 8 and released to the public in September [7].

According to Gurman, Apple has been holding back the new hardware because it was "designed to launch in tandem with the new Siri and Apple Intelligence updates" [9]. The new Siri, which is rumored to be powered by a custom version of Google's Gemini, will be a full chatbot competitor to ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini itself, complete with a standalone app and system-wide integration [17]. This represents a fundamental shift in how users will interact with Apple's ecosystem—and Apple clearly wants its new home hardware to be the showcase for it.

This strategy, while frustrating for those waiting for new hardware, makes strategic sense. Without the new Siri, these devices would simply be spec bumps. With it, they become intelligent nodes in a truly smart home.

Launch Window: WWDC Preview, Fall Release

Gurman's timeline points to a clear release schedule: Apple will preview iOS 27 and the new Siri at its WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8. The public release of the software will follow in September, and the new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini 2 are expected to launch around the same time, possibly in October [7][9].

If you've been holding off on buying these devices, the wait is nearly over. However, Gurman cautions not to expect much from the new hardware beyond the updated chips. "Don't expect much from the Apple TV box other than an updated chip," he wrote [9].

Key Takeaways

• New Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini 2 hardware is complete and has been tested internally at Apple for months [7].
• Launch is tied to the new Siri and iOS 27, expected to be previewed at WWDC on June 8 and released in September [9].
• Apple TV 4K upgrades: A17 Pro chip, Apple's N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread [7].
• HomePod mini 2 upgrades: S10 chip (up to 50% faster), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, redesigned driver, better microphones [19].
• Both devices maintain current designs, though a refreshed Siri Remote and a new red color for the HomePod mini are possible [7][19].
• The new Siri will be a full chatbot with a dedicated app, designed to compete with ChatGPT and Gemini [17].

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