Apple Unleashes Blazing Wi-Fi 6E and Chip Upgrades for Apple TV and HomePod mini
Paul Riverbank, 1/9/2025Apple gears up for an exciting year, with new Apple TV and HomePod mini models featuring cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, enhanced performance, and potentially a more affordable Apple TV. A smart home hub with a 6-inch display is also rumored to join the lineup.
The tech world is abuzz with anticipation as reports emerge of Apple's plans to launch new iterations of the Apple TV and HomePod mini this year, both featuring a shared, cutting-edge component. According to renowned Apple analyst Mark Gurman, these devices will be equipped with Apple's own combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, supporting the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard. "The chip supports Wi-Fi 6E, so that could end up being a key upgrade for both devices," Gurman stated, highlighting the potential for faster wireless speeds and reduced signal interference with a compatible router.
While the current Apple TV from October 2022 already supports Wi-Fi 6, the upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E seems like a logical step forward. However, the inclusion of this advanced Wi-Fi capability in the next HomePod mini remains uncertain, as Apple has historically kept its HomePod speakers on older Wi-Fi versions. "Apple has generally kept its HomePod speakers on older Wi-Fi versions," the report notes, citing the current HomePod mini's outdated Wi-Fi 4 support as an example.
Beyond the wireless connectivity enhancements, the next Apple TV is expected to receive a performance boost with a newer A-series chip, potentially surpassing the A15 Bionic found in the current model. Apple has since released several newer iterations, including the A16 Bionic, A17 Pro, A18, and A18 Pro, leaving room for speculation on which chip will power the upcoming device.
Interestingly, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that the next Apple TV could come with a more affordable price tag, potentially starting below $100 in the U.S. market. Currently, the Apple TV is available with 64GB or 128GB of storage for $129 and $149, respectively. While no major design changes have been rumored, Gurman revealed that Apple has considered adding a built-in camera to a future model, a feature that would eliminate the need for an external device for video calls on the TV.
As for the HomePod mini, expected upgrades include a newer "S" chip, improved sound quality, a newer Ultra Wideband chip for a lower-latency Handoff experience, and fresh color options. The current model, released in November 2020, utilizes the Apple Watch Series 5's S5 chip.
Adding to the smart home lineup, Apple is also reportedly planning to release an all-new smart home hub this year, featuring a six-inch display that can be mounted on a wall or attached to a tabletop base with a speaker. This device could potentially share similarities with the HomePod mini, further expanding Apple's ecosystem of connected devices.
As the tech giant continues to push the boundaries of innovation, these upcoming releases promise to deliver enhanced performance, seamless connectivity, and a more immersive user experience across Apple's product lineup. With the tech community eagerly awaiting further details, the stage is set for Apple to once again redefine the standards of smart home technology.
