Apple is working on a renewed range for smart devices, but is waiting for one important component: a new, AI-powered Siri. According to recent rumors, there are already new hardware updates for the HomePod mini, the HomePod and the Apple TV 4K in Cupertino, but without a better version of the voice assistant, Apple does not want to release them yet.
Apple is also preparing for a new product: the HomePad, a device with a screen that will serve as a central hub for smart homes. The focus is still on Siri and hardware. The new version of Siri, with more functionalities and personal adjustments, must first function properly before new Home products come onto the market.
What we know about the new Siri
According to sources, Apple is working on a personalized version of Siri, which uses Apple Intelligence. This Siri should handle context better, recognize voices and carry out smart home commands more naturally, which is essential for the new HomePod models. In addition, Apple Intelligence would have a more important role on the Apple TV in combination with Siri.
After WWDC25 did Craig Federighi and Greg Joswiak multiple interviews in which they acknowledged Apple’s problems with Siri. The long-awaited Apple Intelligence features for Siri, including personal results, insight into what’s on your screen and deep in-app actions, are taking longer than initially promised.
Apple is now targeting a release later in 2026, likely as part of iOS 27 or later. According to the tech giant, there were ongoing quality issues with testing of the new Siri features, which is why they held back a release to avoid disappointing users. They have now moved to a more powerful underlying architecture to address the issues.
New HomePod and Apple TV delayed by Siri
Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman reports that Apple has new models of the HomePod, the HomePod mini and the Apple TV 4K in the pipeline, but has chosen to postpone them. The reason for this is simple: Apple doesn’t want to introduce these new devices with an outdated version of Siri. This means that production of current models is limited and supplies of the HomePod mini in Apple stores and partners are quickly running out, without an official announcement.
There are increasing rumors about a new Apple TV 4K that would be equipped with a powerful A17-Pro-like chip and 8 GB of RAM, which would fulfill the minimum requirements for Apple Intelligence. In addition, the device is said to contain an N-series chip for WiFi 7, Bluetooth 6 and support for Thread. The HomePods will probably also receive a new chip that is strong enough for the updated Siri.
The long-awaited HomePad
The HomePad is said to be Apple’s response to the Google Hub and would be a HomePod-like device with a compact 6-inch screen and speaker. The device should act as the central control point for your smart home, with access to the Home app, calendar information, FaceTime, clock/FaceTime, and a limited selection of third-party apps.
Sources suggest that the device runs on its own homeOS-like operating system and must be operated mainly via voice control, which further increases the dependence on the new version of Siri.
The HomePad was expected to be released in March 2025, but due to delayed Siri and Apple Intelligence updates, the launch has been moved. Now it’s thought that the HomePad will come sooner in the fall of 2026, along with new HomePod models and an Apple TV update, if the new Siri version is stable and easy to use enough.