The AI-powered Siri upgrade is expected to expand to Apple’s smart home devices, including HomePod, enabling more natural, context-aware interactions.
HomePod mini is said to be the hardest to find in stores currently
Photo Credit: Apple
Apple Stores are running low on stock of the Apple TV, HomePod and HomePod mini across several regions, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The dip in retail availability has drawn attention as such patterns have previously been seen ahead of product refreshes. While there is no official confirmation of new hardware, the timing has fuelled speculation about possible updates to Apple's home and entertainment devices, especially as some of these products are due for an upgrade.
In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman said Apple has had newer versions of the Apple TV and HomePod Mini ready since last year. The company has reportedly held back their release as it waits for a more advanced version of Siri and related Apple Intelligence features, which are still not ready.
An earlier report based on a leaked iOS 26 build suggested Apple could launch its upgraded Siri, with improved context-aware responses, in Spring 2026. The rollout may align with the iOS 26.4 update, which is expected between March and May. The AI-powered Siri is expected to expand to Apple's smart home devices, including HomePod, enabling more natural, context-aware interactions.
The journalist also says that if Apple does go ahead and launch the hardware soon, it could mean the Cupertino-based tech giant no longer wants to wait for those software upgrades. These AI features are expected to matter more for a separate home hub device, while they are less critical for the HomePod and Apple TV.
Stock levels are said to vary across products, with the HomePod mini the hardest to find in stores and also facing shipping delays online. The larger HomePod is seeing lower in-store availability but remains available online. The Apple TV appears to have relatively better stock for now.
Other previous reports suggest the next Apple TV could get a newer chip to support Apple Intelligence, along with updated connectivity features. The HomePod mini is also expected to receive a chip upgrade and small changes. For now, it remains unclear whether the low inventory directly points to an imminent launch.
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