Every fall, almost like clockwork – Apple runs through its course of annual product refreshes. New iPhones, new Apple Watches, new iPads, and new Macs are almost a guarantee over the course of September and October.
This year, though – there are a few uncommon product refreshes that we should be seeing over the next couple of months, for products that often go years without an update.
Apple TV 4K
Apple last updated the Apple TV in late 2022 – with an A15 chip, a smaller design, and a new USB-C Siri Remote.
This fall, we should be seeing another update for the first time in three years. It’s currently rumored to pack the A17 Pro chip, which could potentially bring some Apple Intelligence features to the living room. In the past, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has mentioned the idea of an even lower starting price.
We should also get to see Apple’s first in-house Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip debut in this new Apple TV model.
HomePod mini
Apple’s cheapest smart speaker has gone an even longer time without an update. It released in 2020 alongside the iPhone 12, and has received no changes since – other than some additional color options in 2021, followed by a new ‘Midnight’ color replacing Space Gray in 2024. It also got a packaging update in 2025.
Nonetheless, HomePod mini should be receiving the S9 chip, a large leap from its current S5 chip. Apple’s S5 chip is based on cores from the A12 Bionic, whereas the S9 chip is based on cores from the A16 Bionic. It’ll also include the new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip that should be debuting in the aforementioned Apple TV update.
AirTag 2
Last but not least, AirTag 2. This product has been rumored for quite a long time, and it should hopefully debut in just a matter of weeks. It’s expected to have a new Ultra Wideband chip for triple the range with Precision Finding, as well as a deeper focus on privacy. Ideally, it’ll retain the same $29 price tag.
Wrap up
Top comment by Nutmac
The HomePod mini 2 appears to be the most deserving of an update, and I would like a more ambitious one. While the S9 is certainly welcome, especially with its on-device Siri and 2nd generation UWB, I would like even a small watch-sized display for a few widgets, for a visual indication of the timer, next alarm, and other relevant information.
Speaking of alarms, the HomePod is crying out for a bedtime alarm sound. If iPhones can have them, why not HomePods? None of the current alarm sounds are suitable for my wake-up needs, and I prefer not to use music.
Please Apple, none of these low effort update for a product that hasn't received any meaningful update since 2020.
All in all, there’s a fair bit of rare product updates to look forward to. Of course, you should also expect the iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max in a number of weeks – as well as a trio of new Apple Watch models. Rumors currently don’t point to new iPad or Mac models launching this fall, though things are always subject to change.
Apple is working on a new iPad mini with A19 Pro, a new iPad with A18, as well as new M5 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models. These products will all likely debut in the spring. Apple may also launch a new version of Apple Vision Pro with M4 or M5 in the coming months, though that’ll purely be a chip bump.
My favorite Apple accessory recommendations:
- Anker Ultra-Slim MagSafe Battery Pack
- AirPods Pro 3 (2x ANC vs AirPods Pro 2!)
- Anker Nano 45W Fast Charger with Smart Display
- Anker Prime 3-in-1 25W Compact MagSafe Charger
- Logitech MX Master 4 Mouse for Mac
- AirTag 2 4-pack (50% improved Precision Finding!)
- Belkin MagSafe 3-in-1 Charging Stand for iPhone
- MOFT MagSafe Kickstand Wallet for iPhone
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