Apple to Refresh Smart Home Lineup in 2025—Plus a Surprise New Product

Liam Anderson

Apple Smarthome Lineup

Apple is committed to refreshing its smart home product lineup in 2025, aiming to enhance functionality with Apple Intelligence. The tech giant plans to launch updated versions of the Apple TV and HomePod mini. These new devices will feature Apple’s custom-designed Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chip, known as Proxima.

The updated Apple TV and HomePod mini are part of a larger strategy to improve Apple’s home device offerings. Reports indicate that the company is also developing a hybrid device that combines the HomePod and iPad, featuring a 6 to 7-inch display. This new device may run on a new operating system, potentially named homeOS, which is specifically designed for smart home functionalities.

Apple’s Smart Home Overhaul: A Look at the 2025 Refresh

Apple’s 2025 Smart Home Product Lineup

Expected Smart Home Products from Apple in 2025

Here’s a table outlining the smart home products Apple is expected to update, refresh, or release in 2025, along with details about the anticipated changes:

ProductTypeExpected Updates/FeaturesDetails
HomePod (Full-size)Smart SpeakerImproved audio quality, faster processor, updated designLikely a more powerful processor for better Siri performance and multi-room audio. May feature design tweaks to align with current Apple aesthetics.
HomePod miniSmart SpeakerImproved sound, enhanced Siri capabilities, possibly new color optionsCould see minor internal upgrades for better responsiveness and sound clarity. New color options can help it fit into more home decors.
Apple TVStreaming Media Player/Smart Home HubFaster processor, support for newer video and audio formats, enhanced gaming capabilities, improved HomeKit integrationA new processor would enable smoother 4K and potentially 8K playback, support for advanced HDR formats, and better performance for Apple Arcade games. Deeper HomeKit integration could make it a more central smart home hub.
Smart Home Display (New Product)Smart Display/Smart Home HubTouchscreen display, Siri integration, HomeKit support, video calling, media playback, central smart home controlThis is the major new product. It will likely have a design similar to an iPad or a smaller iMac, with a focus on intuitive touch controls for managing smart home devices.

A Complete Refresh

Apple plans to update its entire smart home lineup in 2025. This includes existing products like the HomePod and Apple TV. It also includes a new product: a smart home display.

What to Expect from Existing Products

Apple will likely update existing products with new features and improved performance. This could include:

  • Faster processors: This will improve performance and responsiveness.
  • Improved connectivity: This could include Wi-Fi 6E or other new standards.
  • New software features: Apple could add new features to HomeKit and related apps.

The New Smart Home Display

The biggest news is the new smart home display. This product is expected to be a central hub for controlling your smart home devices.

Features of the Smart Home Display

The smart home display will likely have these features:

  • Touchscreen display: This will allow users to easily control their smart home devices.
  • Siri integration: Users can use voice commands to control devices and get information.
  • HomeKit support: The display will work with all HomeKit-compatible devices.
  • Video calling: The display may have a camera for video calls.
  • Media playback: Users can play music and videos on the display.

How It Compares to Other Smart Displays

Other companies like Amazon and Google already make smart displays. Apple’s display will likely focus on these things:

  • Privacy: Apple is known for its focus on user privacy.
  • Seamless integration with Apple devices: The display will work well with iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
  • High-quality design: Apple products are known for their premium design.

Why This Is Important for Apple

The smart home market is growing. This gives Apple a chance to compete in this market. The new display could become a key part of Apple’s ecosystem.

What This Means for Consumers

Consumers will have more choices for smart home devices. Apple’s entry could push other companies to innovate.

The Future of the Smart Home

The smart home is becoming more popular. New technologies and products are making it easier to control your home. Apple’s new products will be part of this trend.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple will release updated Apple TV and HomePod mini models in 2025
  • The new devices will incorporate Apple’s custom Proxima chip for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
  • A HomePod/iPad hybrid with a large display is also in development

Apple TV and HomePod Mini Set for 2025 Refresh

Apple is preparing a significant refresh of its smart home ecosystem in 2025, encompassing updates to current products like the HomePod and Apple TV, alongside the introduction of a brand-new product category: a dedicated smart home display. This display is expected to serve as a central control hub for HomeKit devices, offering a user-friendly touchscreen interface and seamless integration with other Apple products.

This move signals Apple’s increased focus on the growing smart home market and its intention to compete with existing players like Amazon and Google. The emphasis on privacy, a hallmark of Apple’s products, is expected to be a key differentiator in this new product category.

Apple plans to update its Apple TV and HomePod mini devices in 2025. These new models will likely feature improved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. The company aims to enhance its smart home offerings with these refreshed products.

The updated Apple TV may retain its current design. However, it could include Apple’s custom-designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips. These new chips may allow for faster data synchronization between Apple devices.

Apple’s HomePod mini is also due for an upgrade. The refreshed model might incorporate Wi-Fi 6E technology. This could improve its performance as a smart home hub.

Both devices may benefit from improved Siri integration. Enhanced AI capabilities could make them more effective at controlling smart home devices.

Apple is reportedly working on a new “Command Center” device as well. This wall-mounted gadget may feature:

  • 6-inch OLED display
  • Built-in speaker
  • Camera for video calls

The Command Center could launch alongside the new Apple TV and HomePod mini. It may serve as a central control point for Apple’s smart home ecosystem.

Apple’s move to develop its own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips is significant. This shift could reduce the company’s reliance on third-party suppliers like Broadcom. The new chips are expected to debut in iPhones first, possibly in late 2025.

For consumers, these updates could mean:

  1. Faster connections between Apple devices
  2. Improved smart home control
  3. Better integration of Apple TV, HomePod mini, and other smart home products

It’s important to note that Apple has not officially confirmed these plans. Release dates and specific features may change as development progresses.

Common Questions About the New Apple TV and HomePod Mini

What new features will the next Apple TV include?

The upcoming Apple TV may incorporate an improved networking chip. This chip could enhance connectivity and performance. Apple might also update the device’s processor for faster operation. The new model may offer expanded smart home capabilities, integrating more closely with other Apple devices.

How will the new HomePod Mini’s sound and features compare?

The next HomePod Mini will likely feature improved audio quality. Apple may enhance its speakers for richer sound. The device could include more advanced microphones for better voice recognition. New smart home features and tighter integration with other Apple products are possible improvements.

Will the new Apple TV support 8K streaming?

8K support for the new Apple TV remains uncertain. Apple typically adopts new display technologies gradually. The current model supports 4K, so 8K might be a future consideration. Content availability and bandwidth requirements may influence this decision.

What improvements in Apple device integration are expected?

The new Apple TV and HomePod Mini may offer smoother interactions with iPhones, iPads, and Macs. This could include faster content sharing and easier device pairing. Enhanced HomeKit support might allow for more advanced smart home control. Improved Siri integration across devices is also likely.

What will the new Apple TV and HomePod Mini cost?

Pricing for the new devices has not been announced. Apple typically maintains similar price points for updated models. The current HomePod Mini sells for $99, while Apple TV models range from $129 to $199. Slight increases are possible if significant new features are added.

When will the new Apple TV and HomePod Mini be released?

Apple is expected to launch the new Apple TV and HomePod Mini in 2025. Specific release dates are not yet known. Apple often announces new products in the fall, but spring releases are also possible. More details may emerge as the launch approaches.