In 2025, Apple is preparing to update both the Apple TV and the HomePod mini, just as part of expanding its smart home products. That bit is from a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who shared details on a custom-designed Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chip that Apple is about to introduce. Gurman says the chip will also be included in the next-generation Apple TV and HomePod mini when they launch in 2025.
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Apple to Refresh Apple TV and HomePod Mini in 2025 with New Chip and Enhanced Smart Home Features
While no specific release date yet so far, the timing of the chip release indicates when the updated Apple TV and HomePod mini could potentially go live, ahead of September 2025. The chip will support Wi-Fi 6E, a newer standard that promises faster wireless connectivity and improved performance. Apple’s first-generation in-house chip is also possibly not capable of delivering the same level of performance versus the Wi-Fi chips from Broadcom, at least in the early going, noted the analyst.
The move to develop and implement this custom-designed chip is part of Apple’s broader strategy to improve its smart home ecosystem. This should lead to better interoperability of the devices, allowing them to share data with one another, giving a more seamless experience to the user. This ultimately will provide more seamless integration between the Apple TV and the HomePod mini, and also within the wider Apple ecosystem for the user experience.
Alongside the Apple TV and HomePod mini refresh, Apple reportedly intends to launch a new home hub device, codenamed the “Command Center,” for its smart home plans in 2025. It will have a 6-inch display, built-in speaker, and camera, and will act as a control center for smart home devices. This will enable users to make video calls as well, adding another type of functionality to Apple’s expanding smart home portfolio. But it remains to be seen if the Command Center will include the new custom chip.
This refresh of smart home products along with the new chip and release of the chip, will let Apple continue to establish its presence in the home automation sector, offering ever more sophisticated, interconnected devices for consumer use.
FAQs
When will the new Apple TV and HomePod mini launch?
Apple plans to refresh both products in 2025, though the exact timeline is unclear.
What new feature will the refreshed devices have?
They will include a new custom-designed Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chip supporting Wi-Fi 6E for improved connectivity.
