iPhone and Mac get all the attention — and the annual upgrades — but you can 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.
In his most recent Power On newsletter, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman predicted that a fresh Apple TV model will arrive 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 the streaming box better for playing Apple Arcade games. That said, it’s been a long time since we heard talk of a gaming-oriented Apple TV. It seems likely that Apple’s decision-makers dropped the idea.
The current Apple TV 4K starts at $129, $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
Apple’s AirTag hit the market in 2021 and has yet to be upgraded. However, rumors point to a new version of Apple’s tracking tag in mid-2025.
The new model reportedly will feature an upgraded ultra-wideband chip that triples its range. This could bring a significant improvement to the Precision Finding feature, which allows users to find the trackers simply by following an arrow on their iPhones.
The upcoming model likely explains why the original AirTag — which works quite well — sells at a considerable discount now. Ordinarily, it costs $29. Whether the new AirTag will stick with that price remains 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 supposedly will arrive 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. In addition, users surely will want the device 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-quality audio and a more powerful processor for faster performance.
The current HomePod mini sells for $99. Apple probably will try to keep the cost under $100 if inflation, and the tariffs threatened by President-elect Donald Trump, 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 recent rumors indicate that Apple continues to work on a HomePod with a built-in 6- to 7-inch display. These rumors might (or might not) be confused with Apple smart home hub reportedly in development. One or both devices could be on Apple’s roadmap.
