Apple may revitalize its smart home device line this year with the advanced development of new versions of the HomePod, HomePod mini, and Apple TV. The release of these products is expected between September and October, according to information disclosed by journalist Mark Gurman.
The renewals aim to adapt the devices to the most sophisticated features of Apple Intelligence and the new phase of Siri. Both the HomePods and the Apple TV are expected to receive more powerful processors capable of managing the demands of artificial intelligence.
Currently, the HomePod mini, launched in 2020, uses the S5 chip, originating from the Apple Watch Series 5, while the standard HomePod model from 2023 features the S7 from the Apple Watch Series 7.
The HomePod, Apple's line of smart speakers, was first introduced in 2017. At that time, it positioned itself as an alternative to Amazon's Echo systems, which already incorporated AI via Alexa+, and Google's Nest.
After a long period without significant innovations, Apple introduced a smaller version in 2020, focusing on a more compact design and a more accessible price. Although the HomePod mini has received color variations over the years, there have been no substantial changes to its hardware.
The larger model in the line was only updated five years after its initial launch, in 2023, bringing better integration with Siri and smart functionalities. It is worth noting that none of these generations have been officially released in Brazil.
Rumors indicate that the future HomePod may incorporate a seven-inch screen and operate with tvOS-based software. This device would feature a widget interface, functionality to control other smart devices, and support for FaceTime video calls.
The main anticipated attraction for the new generation of HomePods is the integration with Siri AI. The central bet lies in using chips that natively support this technology, such as the S9 found in Apple watches from 2023. This chip has a four-core Neural Engine dedicated to machine learning processing, which would provide greater capacity for voice commands, responses from the new Siri, and execution of AI features locally.
Additionally, it is speculated that the smaller version will have a more modern data transmission capability, including the N1 chip, with support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. Improvements in sound quality and the inclusion of a new red color for the mini model are also mentioned.
The Apple TV (the physical device, not just the streaming service) should also be updated within the same release period. The media hub will receive a more recent processor to keep up with the advances in Siri and Apple Intelligence.
One possibility raised is the use of the A17 Pro, a processor introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro line and considered the oldest Apple processor with confirmed support for the company's AI features. Furthermore, The Verge reported that Apple is developing a security camera to compete with solutions like Amazon's Ring line.
Ford Motor has established a collaboration with Apple, aiming to incorporate Apple Maps software into the driving assistance system of a new line of electric vehicles. These cars are scheduled to be presented at dealerships next year, utilizing the technology to enhance autonomous navigation functionalities.
This agreement signals a shift in the dynamic between automakers and technology companies, as Apple's features will no longer depend exclusively on connection to an iPhone but will be integrated directly into the vehicle itself. Initially, this application will be implemented in models developed by Ford.
Although Ford retains full responsibility for driving control—covering steering, braking, and traffic reaction—Apple will provide crucial location and navigation data. This data will help the car interpret highway infrastructure and execute routes automatically.
The partnership aims both to reduce costs and accelerate the advancement of smart vehicles. The arrangement expands Apple's role in the automotive segment. Previously, features like CarPlay allowed drivers to use iPhone apps on the car screen, but this new initiative embeds the company's software directly into the advanced assistance systems.
Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, stated in an interview that the use of Apple Maps will be included in the vehicles without generating additional costs for consumers. He considered the partnership one of the company's most important actions, as it allows them to offer sophisticated features without needing to develop all the technology internally.
The vehicle's control architecture will remain under Ford's responsibility, while Apple's solution will help the system understand road components, such as exits, access points, and road connections. This union will enhance the Blue Cruise feature, an existing Ford technology that allows the driver to take their hands off the wheel on certain stretches of highway.
The automaker plans to make an automated driving experience available in a more accessible price range. The first vehicle in this strategy will be an electric pickup truck, with an estimated price around US$30,000, a value lower than many currently available electric vehicles on the market.
The rapprochement with Apple occurs during a challenging period for traditional manufacturers trying to create their own digital systems. While Chinese companies have progressed in international markets, partly due to the quality of their embedded software, automakers like Ford are seeking alliances to drive innovation and reduce expenses.
Other industry players have followed different paths: Tesla and Rivian opted to develop proprietary platforms, prohibiting the use of CarPlay or Android Auto in their vehicles. General Motors has also announced plans to replace CarPlay in its new models with its own system, while still maintaining access to some technology applications.
In addition to the technological partnership with Apple, Ford announced a cooperation with Geely Auto to produce new vehicles at the Valencia factory in Spain. This agreement involves the joint development of a Ford hybrid starting in 2028, as well as the manufacturing of the Chinese company's electric models at the same location.
This move is part of Ford's attempt to regain ground in Europe, where its market share decreased from 3.1% to 2.5% in the European Union in one year, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association cited in the text. Apple confirmed that Ford is the first major automaker to adopt its new automotive software, but stressed that the technology can be offered to other manufacturers. Eddy Cue, Senior Vice President of Services and Health at Apple, clarified that the solution benefits from years of development by the team responsible for Maps.
The technology has roots in Apple's autonomous vehicle project, an initiative kept secret for years and abandoned before a product launch. Part of this knowledge was reused in the system offered to Ford. The collaboration has also generated recent practical improvements: Ford updated some Mustang Mach-E vehicles to optimize battery temperature when the driver uses Apple Maps to locate a charging station, thereby facilitating charging processes.
