While they didn’t get much stage time during Apple’s WWDC 2026 keynote address, the arrival of Apple Intelligence on Apple’s HomePod, HomePod mini, and Apple TV has long been expected. Now, the tvOS 27 beta includes code, first discovered by Macworld, that indicates that the features are on their way to the two slightly neglected devices.
While Apple announced a few new features for tvOS, including a revamped Podcasts app and AI-generated subtitles, not much else was mentioned about the Apple TV or HomePods.
The discovered code strings do not mention which Siri AI features may be coming to the living room duo, although there is plenty of code that includes various Apple Intelligence frameworks. As pointed out by AppleInsider, the HomePod and HomePod mini also run a version of tvOS, meaning Apple Intelligence could be coming to both platforms. While it’s also possible that only one platform gets a shiny new AI, I’m hoping for both.
If Apple Intelligence does make a home on the Apple TV and HomePod, users will likely need to purchase new hardware. The uncovered code refers to the N1 chip, which is Apple’s Bluetooth and WiFi chip. Currently shipping Apple TV or HomePod models are not equipped with that chip.
In early June, Mactrast reported that new models of the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini are “nearly ready to go.” Both devices reportedly have been ready “for months,” but Apple is delaying their launches until the more personalized version of Siri is available.
The new Apple TV is said to share a similar design to today’s model. Internal improvements for the revamped Apple TV could include Apple’s N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread.
The updated HomePod mini is expected to use an Apple Watch S9 chip or newer, but it may use an improved version of that chip that would offer full support for the new Apple Intelligence-powered Siri. Other features have been rumored for the new smart speaker, including the N1 chip, improved sound quality, a newer Ultra Wideband chip, and a new red color option.
The code may also signal the impending release of the much-rumored Apple Home Hub, which has been rumored ready to go, but also waiting for the new Siri AI.
