Apple Confirms Full-Sized HomePod Update, but Not for October 13 Launch

Key points

• Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman confirmed Apple aims to eventually update the full-sized HomePod, which was discontinued in 2021 and reintroduced in 2023.
• The October 13 event will feature a new HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K, and a smart home hub, but not the full-sized HomePod.
• The new full-sized HomePod is expected to support the more intelligent Siri AI, requiring a faster chip than the current S7 processor.
• Other likely upgrades for the new HomePod include improved audio quality, new color options, and Apple’s custom N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support.
• The current full-sized HomePod is priced at $349 in the U.S., up from $299 when it was released in 2023.

Background

Apple has been preparing a significant smart home launch for October 13, 2026, including a new smart home hub (codenamed J490), a refreshed HomePod mini, and an updated Apple TV 4K. These devices are expected to showcase Apple’s new Siri AI assistant. The full-sized HomePod, which was last updated in 2023, has been a niche product for Apple fans with home theater setups. Apple raised prices on the full-sized HomePod in June 2026, bringing its U.S. price back to $349, matching its 2018 launch price.

How outlets are covering it

MacRumors emphasizes that the full-sized HomePod update is delayed beyond the October 13 event, focusing on the technical upgrades like Siri AI support and the N1 chip. Mashable highlights the broader smart home launch, including the new smart display (HomePad) and its role in showcasing Siri AI, but does not specify the timing of the full-sized HomePod update. Yahoo Finance focuses on the market reaction to the smart home hub announcement, without detailing the HomePod update timeline.

Why it matters

The delay of the full-sized HomePod update indicates Apple’s strategic focus on integrating advanced AI features into its smart home ecosystem. The October 13 launch will set the stage for Siri AI integration across multiple devices, while the full-sized HomePod update will follow later to ensure compatibility with these new capabilities. This approach reflects Apple’s commitment to enhancing its smart home offerings with cutting-edge technology.

What to watch

Apple is expected to announce the new HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K, and smart home hub on October 13, 2026. The full-sized HomePod update will likely be announced at a later date, potentially in late 2026 or early 2027, to incorporate Siri AI support and other hardware upgrades. Consumers should expect new color options and improved audio quality in the updated HomePod.