iPhone and Mac get all the attention — and the annual upgrades — but expect a trio of Apple products that haven’t been improved in years to get some love from Cupertino in 2025.
Fans of some of Apple’s secondary devices rejoice: rumors point to new versions of Apple TV, AirTag, and HomePod in the coming months.
What to expect from Apple TV in 2025
The last update to the Apple TV streaming device came in late 2022, but the long wait is reportedly almost over. Or perhaps it would be better to say that we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman used his part of his most recent Power On newsletter to predict that a fresh Apple TV version will be out in 2025 “toward the end of the year.”
Unfortunately, Gurman’s sources in Cupertino apparently have no additional details. It’s possible the major change will be a faster processor, as the Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) from 2022 runs on an A15 Bionic first used in 2021. A faster processor would make it better at playing Apple Arcade games. That said, it’s been a long time since there was talk of a gaming-oriented Apple TV. It seems likely the idea has been dropped.
The current Apple TV 4K starts at $129, which was $50 less than its predecessor. The upcoming 2025 version might or might not stick with that price — no rumors offer any clarity on cost yet.
What to expect from AirTag in 2025
AirTag hit the market in 2021 and has yet to be replaced. However, rumors point to a new version of Apple’s tracker tag in mid-2025.
The highlight is expected to be a significant improvement to the Precision Finding feature that allows users to track the gizmo simply by following an arrow on their iPhone. That’s because an upgraded ultra-wideband chip is supposedly on the way, tripling the range.
The upcoming model likely explains why the original AirTag is available at a considerable discount now. Ordinarily, it’s $29. Whether the follow-up will stick with that price is anyone’s guess — so far, rumors have been quiet on cost.
What to expect from HomePod in 2025
Since the launch of HomePod mini in 2020, the only changes to the little smart speaker have been cosmetic. But an improved model is supposedly on the way in late 2025.
This “will be built with Apple’s new smart home ecosystem in mind,” according to Bloomberg’s Gurman. That’s a logical move considering HomePods can be used as HomeKit hubs for smart homes. And users will surely want the device to be able to take advantage of the improved version of the Siri voice assistant scheduled to launch soon.
Plus, new Wi-Fi and UWB chips might make the smart speaker better at Handoff. Other likely improvements include higher audio quality and a more powerful processor for faster performance.
HomePod mini sells for $99. Apple will probably try to keep the cost under $100 if inflation and the tariffs President-elect Trump have threatened make that possible.
As for the revamped full-size HomePod, it’s been on the market for less than two years. That’s practically brand new as such things go.
But there have been rumors of a HomePod with a built-in 6- to 7-inch display, but these might (or might not) be confused with the smart home hub that’s allegedly in development. Or both devices could be on Apple’s roadmap.
