After a quiet 2025, proof suggests Apple is engaged on modest however extremely anticipated updates to 2 of its equipment. New proof present in a leaked inner construct of iOS 26 seen by Macworld reveals an unreleased HomePod mini, in addition to unannounced AirTag options that counsel a second technology is coming quickly.
Upgraded HomePod mini
The HomePod mini was launched in 2020 as a less expensive different to the bigger HomePod. Since then, it has been up to date with new colours, however regardless of persistent rumors, the inner {hardware} has but to get an replace. However in accordance with Apple’s inner code, a brand new HomePod mini is lastly on the way in which.
The brand new model of the HomePod mini is recognized by the codename B252, which aligns with a report revealed by MacRumors earlier this 12 months. The product is predicted to be powered by the identical S10 chip discovered within the newest Apple Watch fashions.
At this time’s HomePod mini nonetheless runs on the ageing S5 chip, so a more recent, extra environment friendly processor would ship sooner efficiency and higher wi-fi reliability moderately than any main useful modifications. Primarily based on what’s within the code, this upcoming mannequin appears to be little greater than a spec bump.
Even with the brand new chip, the brand new HomePod mini is unlikely to assist Apple Intelligence options, which can seemingly arrive in Apple’s upcoming sensible house hub machine. As Macworld beforehand reported, the rumored “HomePad” machine is believed to incorporate an A18 chip, which is able to operating on-device AI options.
Apple’s Airtag will reportedly acquire higher monitoring with the upcoming second-generation replace.
Foundry
AirTag set to realize extra exact location monitoring
The leaked code additionally reveals hints of what to anticipate for the way forward for AirTag. Apple’s merchandise tracker is about to realize a handful of latest options, together with an improved pairing course of, enhanced Precision Discovering, and detailed battery degree reporting.
Apple can be engaged on a characteristic known as “Improved Shifting,” which can seemingly permit customers to search out the exact location of an AirTag even when it’s transferring round, one of many limitations of the present AirTag. One other characteristic appears targeted on bettering correct monitoring in crowded locations.
Whereas among the new options could arrive for the present AirTag by way of a software program replace, Apple has lengthy been rumored to introduce a brand new technology of AirTag with an upgraded ultra-wideband chip, which might enhance the Precision Discovering characteristic.
All of those AirTag options discovered within the code are focused for iOS 26, so it’s seemingly Apple will announce them within the first half of the 12 months. Curiously, these capabilities are tagged internally as “2025AirTag,” which strongly means that the product was initially slated for launch this 12 months however was quietly pushed to subsequent 12 months.
With each the refreshed HomePod mini and next-gen AirTag exhibiting up in inner software program, 2026 is shaping as much as be a busy 12 months for Apple’s equipment.
