Apple Plans Major Smart Home Push with New Apple TV 4K, HomePod Mini 2 in 2025

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple is gearing up for a significant expansion into the smart home market in 2025, with plans to release a new Apple TV 4K and a second-generation HomePod mini, according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman. The tech giant aims to integrate its devices more deeply into its smart home ecosystem, potentially positioning the Apple TV as a central control hub.

The new Apple TV 4K, expected to launch late in 2025, will mark the first update to the streaming device since 2022. Gurman, in his PowerOn newsletter, revealed that the device will be “built with Apple’s new smart home ecosystem in mind,” though specifics about its features or a potential new tvOS remain unclear. Rumors have circulated about a combined Apple TV and HomePod device with FaceTime capabilities, but no official details have been confirmed.

Apple’s smart home ambitions extend beyond the Apple TV. The company is also reportedly working on a second-generation HomePod mini, set to debut around the same time as the updated streaming box. The original HomePod mini, released in late 2020, has seen only minor updates, such as new color options, since its launch. The new version is expected to bring significant upgrades, though specifics remain under wraps.

Gurman’s report suggests that Apple’s 2025 product lineup will be packed, with the HomePod mini 2 and Apple TV 4K likely launching in October or November. This timing would follow the company’s traditional September event, which is expected to feature the iPhone 17 series, Apple Watch Series 11, and other major updates. Later in the year, Apple may also introduce an M5 MacBook Pro and M5 iPad Pro, alongside its smart home-focused devices.

Apple’s push into the smart home market comes as competitors like Amazon and Google continue to expand their own ecosystems. By integrating its devices more closely, Apple aims to create a seamless experience for users, with the Apple TV potentially serving as a central hub for controlling smart home accessories.

While Gurman did not provide concrete details about the new Apple TV’s features, previous rumors have hinted at a possible Apple-branded TV set, which would further solidify the company’s presence in the smart home space. However, such a product remains speculative at this stage.

As Apple prepares to unveil its latest innovations, tech enthusiasts and industry watchers are eager to see how the company will differentiate its offerings in an increasingly competitive market. With its focus on ecosystem integration and user experience, Apple’s 2025 product lineup could redefine the smart home landscape.