Apple TV and HomePod mini orders are facing extended shipping delays on Apple’s online retail store in the US, while we’re seeing plenty of rumors about new models of both devices coming later this year. MacRumors reports the shortages have been occurring of and on for more than a year.
The publication reports that estimated delivery dates for the Apple TV with 64GB of storage are now extended into October. Meanwhile, the orange HomePod mini is currently unavailable to order, while the yellow HomePod mini has a November delivery estimate.
In July, we reported that Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman said that Apple has new models of the Apple TV and HomePod mini “nearly ready to launch,” and a fall release is planned for both. Gurman said both devices will be equipped with faster processors that support Siri AI.
He says all three devices are nearly ready to launch, with the Cupertino company set to release the new Apple TV and HomePod mini this fall with the home hub arriving between October and early next year.
Gurman said the new Apple TV will share a similar design to today’s model. Earlier rumors claimed the next Apple TV would be equipped with the A17 Pro chip, the oldest chip that offers Apple Intelligence support. Other internal improvements for the revamped set-top box 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.
Neither device will receive any major design changes, says Gurman.
