HomePod mini 2: Rumors & release date

• Rumored release: Mid 2026
• Expected changes: New red color, major processor upgrade, improved connectivity

Foundry

Apple introduced the original HomePod mini in November 2020, making it long overdue for an update.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman had previously indicated that a new HomePod mini could arrive toward the end of 2025. In an August 2025 newsletter, referencing Apple code that briefly appeared, and was then withdrawn, he wrote: “The findings corroborate a lot of what I’ve reported, including that fresh Apple TV and HomePod mini models will arrive this fall.”

That prediction didn’t materialise – Apple released neither a new HomePod mini nor an updated Apple TV in 2025.
However, a refresh may not be far off. Current rumours now point to a mid-2026 release, with delays attributed to ongoing software development challenges relating to Siri and Apple Intelligence.

HomePod mini 2 Design

• New red color option rumored.

n September 2025, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple had tested a new red colour option for the next-generation HomePod mini. Beyond this cosmetic tweak, however, the update is expected to focus primarily on internal improvements.

The overall design is likely to remain largely unchanged. The current HomePod mini has not received a hardware update since its debut in 2020, and Apple is reportedly more focused on modernising the internals to support upcoming software features.

HomePod mini 2 New Features & Specs

• S9 chip or newer

The most consistent rumours point to a faster processor, improved connectivity, and potential support for Apple Intelligence. As Gurman noted in August 2025: “We don’t know what, if anything, will be new with the speaker other than a faster chip, though Apple will likely keep the same design.”

Rumored upgrades include:

• Upgraded chip: The new model is expected to feature a significantly upgraded chip—possibly the S9, S10, or even S11—all of which would represent a major leap from the current S5 (first introduced in the Apple Watch Series 5). Newer chips like the S9 and S10 already power more recent Apple Watch models, offering improved performance and efficiency.
• Apple Intelligence Support: The new chip could enable Apple’s AI-powered features, including an AI-enhanced Siri. However, full support may not be available at launch due to Siri development delays.
• Improved Connectivity: Apple may include its in-house networking chip (sometimes referred to as N1), alongside Wi-Fi 6E bringing faster and more reliable wireless performance compared, and an upgraded U2 Ultra Wideband chip, enabling more precise and seamless interactions such as Handoff between Apple devices.
• Audio Enhancements: Some reports suggest upgraded drivers for improved sound quality, and possibly support for spatial audio or Dolby Atmos—features currently limited to the full-size HomePod. See: Five upgrades the HomePod mini needs.
• Hardware Refinements: There is also speculation that Apple could introduce a removable power cable, similar to the second-generation HomePod, which would improve repairability.

HomePod 3: Rumors & release date

• Rumored release: Mid 2026
• Expected changes: Processor upgrade, improved connectivity, better sound

Michael Brown/Foundry

In late March 2026 Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman indicated that a new model is in development and could launch alongside updated HomePod mini and Apple TV devices.

Unlike the HomePod mini 2, there are relatively few leaks about hardware upgrades coming to the full-size HomePod.

It’s likely that this updated model will gain the following, just like the HomePod mini:

• Improved chip: HomePod 2 runs on the S7 chip as found in the Apple Watch Series 7. The HomePod 3 may use the S9 or later.
• Apple Intelligence Support: A faster chip will enable Apple’s AI-powered features, including an AI-enhanced Siri. However, full support may not be available at launch due to Siri development delays.
• Improved Connectivity: Apple may include its in-house networking chip (sometimes referred to as N1), alongside Wi-Fi 6E and an upgraded U2 Ultra Wideband chip.
• Audio Enhancements: Upgraded drivers are likely to improve sound quality.

However, there could be even more in store for the bigger HomePod. There are rumors that it may gain a screen and we that we discuss in the next section.

HomePod 3 with screen: Rumors & release date of HomePod Touch

• Possible launch: Delayed until fall-2026
• Display size: Touchscreen 6 and 7-inches
• Software: Custom touchscreen operating system running apps like Weather, Calendar, Photos, HomeKit as well as Apple Music

Foundry and Apple

One of the HomePod’s biggest limitations is its reliance on Siri, which still struggles with complex commands. Many users end up controlling the speaker via their iPhone instead, which can be inconvenient and drain battery life. A built-in screen could provide a more direct and reliable way to interact with the device.

There has long been speculation Apple is working on a HomePod with a built-in display, which could be called HomePod Touch. This device is expected to feature a 6-7-inch touchscreen that would allow the HomePod to function as a smart hub with apps and visuals in addition a smart speaker.

This new HomePod would run homeOS or a similar touch-optimized UI for apps like Weather, Calendar, Photos, Apple Music, and HomeKit.

Apple has been working redesigning the HomePod to include a display for some time. Back in March 2023, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed Apple would “unveil a redesigned HomePod featuring a 7-inch panel.” Kuo initially expected this product to arrive in the first half of 2024, but that timeline slipped. In December 2024, he reported further delays had pushined the launch to after WWDC 2025, citing software development challenges. Then, in March 2025, Kuo suggested the device had been delayed again, due to Apple Intelligence setbacks.

Current speculation suggests a possible release in the later half of 2026, with the release slipping as the major updates to Siri and Apple’s AI platform have been further delayed. Alternatively, the HomePod Touch may gain AI related features as part of a later software update.

Foundry

HomePod Touch Features & Specs

As with the HomePod mini 2, the touchscreen HomePod is expected to feature a chip capable of supporting the AI-enhanced Siri, but it will also need to support a custom touchscreen operating system, possibly derived from tvOS. Given the demands of such a touchscreen interface and advanced software, this would likely mean A-series or even M-series silicon, possibly an A17 (iPhone 15 Pro) or A18 (iPhone 16).

Rather than just being a speaker with a screen, it is thought the device will be a central smart home controller with enhanced HomeKit and Matter device control, potentially rivalling Google Nest Hub and Amazon Echo Show devices.

Other expected features include:

• Specs: New chip, rather than S-series could use A18 or similar. Apple’s N1 networking chip, Wi-Fi 6E support, and an upgraded U2 Ultra Wideband chip for improved device handoff.
• Modular design: Some rumors point to a modular design, where a screen-based hub could magnetically dock onto a full-size HomePod speaker. This could allow the device to function as a stationary high-fidelity speaker while also supporting FaceTime calls and smart home management.
• Display: The display is widely rumored to measure around 7-inches, putting it in direct competition with smart displays from Amazon and Google.
• Camera: Could incorporate a camera for FaceTime calls.

Ben Patterson/Foundry

HomePod Touch Design

Unlike current HomePods, which rely on a small LED surface for controls and animations, this model is expected to feature a 7-inch full display capable of showing useful information and acting as a touchscreen control interface.

Some time ago Swiss website Handy Abovergleich and designer Eric Huismann created a series of concept illustrations of how this new generation of HomePod could look. Here’s how they imagine the HomePod Show—a speaker with a camera and a small touchscreen—could look.

Foundry

However, this updated HomePod could offer a lot more than a screen to tap when you want to choose a playlist or skip a track. There are rumors that suggest putting a screen on HomePod could transform it into a new device entirely.

HomePad or HomeHub smart hub: Rumors & release date for smart display with robot arm

• Possible launch: Late 2026 or 2027 if Siri updates are delayed
• Strategy: Brand new category of products

HomePad release date

Apple’s first-ever smart home display had been rumored to launch in the spring of 2026, but it’s been delayed due to issues with Siri, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. He claims the hardware has been ready for some time, according to anonymous sources with knowledge of the matter.

Another leaker, known as Kosutami, who has made accurate predictions in the past, posted on X on March 5 to predict: “Autumn. Home. Integrated with Pad. Now coming.” That somewhat cryptic post doesn’t necessarily refer to the HomePad, but it seems likely.

What is the HomePad?

Apple has reportedly been exploring a broader smart home strategy for years, and the HomePad could be its most ambitious step yet.

As far back as April 2021, Mark Gurman described a high-end device combining a HomePod speaker, a touchscreen, and a camera mounted on a robotic arm that could follow the user around the room during video calls. Gurman has made various references to this over the years.

Reports suggest Apple may be planning multiple smart home hub products, potentially split into two tiers:

• Low-end smart display (J490): A stationary device with an approximately 7-inch screen, designed for wall mounting or docking. It would focus on HomeKit control and FaceTime calls.
• High-end robotic hub (J595): A more advanced version featuring a display mounted on a robotic arm. This “Luxo Jr.-like” device could function as a videoconferencing system and home security tool, though it may not arrive until late 2026 or even 2027.

A revamped, AI-powered Siri is expected to be central to the experience – and its ongoing development is widely believed to be the main reason these products have yet to launch.

Imagen 3 (Gemini)

HomePad Smart Hub Design, Features & Specs

Speculation regarding the HomePad’s internal specifications and software capabilities includes:

• Processing Power: Internal code suggests the device, codenamed J490, may be powered by the A18 chip, which is capable of supporting advanced Apple Intelligence features.
• Operating System: The hub will likely run a version of TVos that incorporates iOS-like features. For instance, the inclusion of the “ChatKit” framework in recent software betas suggests the HomePad may support iMessage and texting, features not currently available on Apple TV or standard HomePods.
• Kitchen Integration: A new “CookingKit” framework and expanded food sections in Apple News indicate that kitchen assistance, such as searching for recipes by ingredient, could be a primary selling point.
• Entertainment: Beyond home control, the device is expected to function as an entertainment hub for streaming music and video, as well as making FaceTime calls via a built-in camera.
• Advanced Home Control: Code found in the iOS 26 Home app describes an “Adaptive Temperature” feature, which could allow the HomePad to offer more granular control over smart thermostats, including energy-saving optimizations based on local electricity rates.
• Camera: There are suggestions that the device could combines a HomePod with a camera, or place a camera on a robot arm. This camera could also be used to recognize gestures. Some years ago a patent was filed that related to a future HomePod that could interpret 3D hand gestures. That patent describes a HomePod that can “interpret three-dimensional hand gestures as a means of controlling the device so as to execute an action or function.”

New HomePod Prices

The current prices for the HomePods are as follows:

• HomePod: $299/£299
• HomePod mini: $99/£99

We don’t expect prices to change for the existing configurations. The HomePod mini is likely to remain at the sub-$100 price point.

However, a HomePod with a built-in screen could command a higher price. It may launch as a separate product altogether, potentially starting around $399 / £399, or higher, depending on features.

What is on Apple’s Smart Home Roadmap

Apple’s smart-home roadmap is expected to accelerate in 2026 and beyond, as the company expands its Home ecosystem with new hardware, AI features and services designed to compete with Amazon and Google.

Ongoing: Apple continues to lean on the Matter standard to increase device compatibility. Updates like Matter 1.5 have added support for security cameras and energy management, which Apple is expected to integrate into the Home app.

February 2026: On February 10, 2026, Apple ended support for its legacy HomeKit architecture. This transition removed the ability to use an iPad as a home hub, restricting that role to the Apple TV 4K or HomePod.

Mid 2026: Launch of new HomePod mini 2 and HomePod 3.

Later in 2026: Apple intends to overhaul Siri. A completely redesigned, LLM-based Siri is expected to debut in early 2026 to power the new smart hubs. Previous delays in the smart home roadmap were largely attributed to Siri’s development “snags”

September 2026: iOS 27 (expected September 2026) may include AI vision recognition, allowing cameras to recognize specific users and their actions to trigger automations while maintaining privacy.

Fall 2026: Launch of Apple’s HomePad device(s).

Other Smart Home products coming from Apple

Apple Security Camera: Reports indicate Apple plans to enter the security camera market with its own hardware. Code discovered in iOS 26.2 includes a new “isFirstPartyAccessory” flag, suggesting support for Apple-branded cameras and doorbells that integrate deeply with the ecosystem.

Robotic HomeHub: A home assistant with a display mounted on a robotic arm