Apple’s new home device is believed to arrive later than the date of the new Apple TV set

There have been serious rumors for months that Apple is planning a new “Home device” or “Home accessory.” It could be a kind of command center for HomeKit, coming in the form of a kind of mini iPad – optionally also with a speaker base. There is also speculation that a “HomePod with a display” may appear for the first time – either as an addition or as a “home device.” So far it has been said that the hardware could appear soon, possibly as early as spring 2025. However, Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman is now dismissing this: in his weekend newsletter he now says that “it may take longer for the device to reach customers”. There is better news about the generation. Both are now believed to be arriving by the end of the year.

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Home devices: software problems?

It is said that Apple originally intended to launch the Home device in March 2025. However, there are reportedly issues with the operating system intended for it, called HomeOS, which in turn is based on tvOS. It is “strongly tied to Apple Intents”, the interface that is also for Siri control of apps on the iPhone. HomeOS, internally codenamed “Pebble”, uses functions from iOS 18.4 and iOS 19.

Although iOS 18.4 should be available by March, iOS 19 is not scheduled until autumn 2025. Therefore it is “plausible that the hardware will be delivered a little later”. Its purpose is to help Apple pursue major new developments after 2025: an improved Siri that can be used for real conversations, as well as Apple’s new smart home hardware. For example, there are reports about a smart doorbell with Face ID or a security camera that are said to be particularly privacy-friendly.

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Next Small HomePod Plus Apple TV

As mentioned, Gurman is expecting releases for the HomePod mini 2 and Apple TV by the end of the year. Both devices must fit into the group’s smart home ecosystem. The HomePod mini is from 2020 and has only been given new colors so far; The company last made changes to the Apple TV box in 2022.

Both devices are not suitable for Apple Intelligence in their current state as they lack the necessary chip technology and sufficient RAM. To date, little is known about the details of the new devices. They are likely to receive mainly internal improvements; It’s unclear whether a display is planned for the HomePod mini 2.

(B.Sc.)