There are at least five new Apple products expected to launch later this month, including a pair of Home debuts: a brand new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini 2. Here’s why these new Apple Home products will set the stage for an even bigger smart home rollout ahead.
Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini 2 are just the start of expanding ‘Apple Home’ lineup
Two of my most anticipated Apple launches this month are new Home products:
Both hardware updates are rumored to add Apple Intelligence support, new chips, and other improvements.
Depending on the final details, I expect to buy both new Home products.
I recently had a HomePod mini stop working, and while my Apple TV 4K is still performing well, the prospect of an AI infusion will likely merit an upgrade.
But even more than the specifics of the two products, I’m excited about these launches because of what I suspect they could reveal about Apple’s future Home strategy.
Apple’s line of smart home products has long been limited to the Apple TV and HomePod. But that’s set to change very soon.
Upcoming Home products in the works at Apple
Rumors indicate Apple will launch three brand new Home products in the coming year or so:
- HomePod Touch/HomePad: the long-awaited HomePod with a smart display
- Security camera: featuring facial recognition and infrared sensors
- Video doorbell: Face ID and likely with a smart lock integration
This trio of new products is part of Apple’s renewed plans to strengthen and expand its smart home ecosystem.
Apple also has a tabletop robot coming in 2027 powered by a new Siri personality. The word ‘robot’ may sound odd, but if the company’s adorable lamp prototype is any indication of its robotics projects, it could prove very compelling.
All of these new Home efforts will center around Apple Intelligence, and be preceded by this month’s Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini.
Which is why these two launches will be the perfect opportunity for Apple to start laying out its expanded vision for Apple Home.
Top comment by Blurft
...while my Apple TV 4K is still performing well, the prospect of an AI infusion will likely merit an upgrade.
What possible "AI" features could a TV streaming box offer that would be a compelling upgrade from any current Apple TV 4K?
Or is this just another case of looking for an excuse to indulge in consumerism?
Apple Home is about to exit ‘hobby’ territory, and soon we’ll get the first glimpses of what that means.
Apple first released Apple TV hardware in 2007. HomeKit was introduced in 2014. The Home app was introduced in 2016. HomePod was introduced in 2018. Matter support was introduced in 2022.
That's 18 years of development, and we've been hearing "Apple is finally leaving hobby territory and getting serious with this" for more than a decade now.
How about we wait and see what they're actually able to deliver, before getting our hopes up about unannounced, unreleased, and unfinished ideas?
Apple obviously won’t reveal details about 2026 and 2027 products. But it is highly likely to offer clues as to the direction of Apple Home’s future.
Because this time around, the company isn’t just launching a new Apple TV and HomePod—it’s kicking off a years-long effort to reimagine the smart home.
Apple Home is about to exit ‘hobby’ territory, and soon we’ll get the first glimpses of what that means.
What are your hopes for future Apple Home products? Let us know in the comments.
Best Apple TV 4K and Home accessories
- Anti-slip silicone case for Siri Remote, AirTag compatible
- TotalMount for mounting Apple TV
- AirPods Pro 3
- HomeKit Garage Door Opener
- TP-Link Tapo 2K camera with HomeKit Secure Video
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