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Tom’s Guide
Tom’s Guide
Technology
Scott Younker

Apple could launch 7 new smart home devices this year — but there's a catch

A photo of an iPad running Apple Home alongside an Apple HomePod mini and an Apple TV.

Since at least 2024, Apple has been rumored to be building a suite of smart home devices that will be powered by an AI-boosted Siri. That line could start with at least seven new devices that could launch this year.

However, there is a big caveat to this list. It all depends on whether Apple can get Siri 2.0 out the door. Apple has promised the Siri overhaul is coming this year, and some of that might be powered by the Apple and Google Gemini partnership that kicks off later this year.

Assuming Siri 2.0 launches, here are seven devices we expect to see Apple release.

New Apple TV 4K

(Image credit: Apple)

Apple last updated its Apple TV 4K streaming box in 2022, and fans have been waiting for a new one since at least 2024. After four years, it's become the longest gap between refreshes since Apple debuted the streaming device a decade ago.

We're expecting Apple to kit out the next Apple TV with an upgraded chip, possibly an A17 Pro chip, though that rumor is nearly a year old now, so a potentially more powerful chip could be in the cards. The device could also get the N1 chip for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

It's been suggested that Siri and Thread connectivity would allow you to use the new Apple TV as a sort of hub for smart devices. This connects with rumors that Apple might release a set-top box with a camera that would allow for FaceTime calls and gesture-based controls. As far back as 2022, it was rumored that Apple might combine the streaming device with a HomePod.

Unlike the rumored HomePod, it's never been clear if Apple is delaying a refresh because of Siri or for some reason, despite the growing gap between updates.

Four different HomePod devices

(Image credit: Yanko Design)

The HomePod 2 successor could feature a $1,000 robot arm, a wall-mounted touchpad, or maybe just be a new speaker. The rumors have gotten wild. The potential versions include the HomePad or HomePod Touch with a display, a HomePod 3 speaker and a new mini speaker.

The HomePod 3 could feature a 7-inch iPad-like display about the size of "two iPhones side by side." This new HomePod would act as a "command center" that lets you control other smart home devices and be about the same size as the Amazon Echo Hub.

It should have a FaceTime camera for video calls and presence sensors to initiate smart home routines.

All of this would be powered by the new Siri and Apple Intelligence.

It's also possible Apple could release a new HomePod mini. There's been more about the larger HomePod devices, but it has been rumored that a new mini speaker will feature a new chip and audio improvements.

If Apple finally reveals the new HomePod, it likely won't happen until after Siri 2.0 launches this fall with the iPhone 18 family. Apple could announce these devices alongside the iPhones. If not, we might not see an announcement until October or November.

Video Doorbell and Security Camera

(Image credit: Ring)

On the whole, we haven't seen as many rumors about an Apple video doorbell or security camera, but some have popped up.

At the end of 2024, it was reported that Apple was in the early stages of development on a video doorbell. Allegedly, this doorbell would use Face ID as a way to unlock the door thanks to the Proxima chip.

Following in early 2025, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that it was working on a security camera. The camera would have infrared sensors and facial recognition.

"Apple believes users will place cameras throughout their home to help with automation," Gurman said at the time. "That could mean turning lights off when someone leaves a room or automatically playing music liked by a particular family member."

Both would be a big shift for Apple, which currently allows third-party manufacturers to create HomeKit-based accessories, including cameras.

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