Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini 2 Pre-Orders Begin Ahead of Oct. 13 Reveal

Key points

• Pre-orders for the new Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini 2 are expected to begin this week, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
• The devices will be officially unveiled at Apple's 'Welcome Home' event on Tuesday, October 13.
• General availability for both products is scheduled for Friday, October 30.
• The new Apple TV 4K is expected to feature an A19 chip to support Apple Intelligence and the new N1 wireless networking chip.
• The Siri Remote is rumored to include a built-in speaker to help users locate it, while the Apple TV itself may have built-in microphones for direct voice commands.
• The HomePod Mini 2 is expected to introduce new color options, building on leaks from September.

Background

The current Apple TV 4K was released in October 2022, making the new model a four-year refresh. Rumors of an update had circulated for over a year, with leaks in September 2026 confirming the existence of a fourth-generation Apple TV 4K and new HomePod Mini colors. The delay in release, combined with a previous price hike, had drawn criticism from consumers and reviewers for the lack of hardware updates.

How outlets are covering it

MacRumors and 9to5Mac both cite Bloomberg's Mark Gurman as the primary source for the pre-order timeline and feature details, emphasizing the A19 chip and the new Siri Remote speaker. The Verge highlights the practical benefits of the built-in microphone and remote speaker for smart home integration and usability. What Hi-Fi? focuses on the long wait for a hardware refresh, noting the previous price increase and the anticipation among AV enthusiasts. All sources agree on the October 13 unveiling and October 30 launch date, but differ in emphasis: tech outlets focus on specs and pre-orders, while AV-focused outlets highlight the consumer impact of the delay and new features.

Why it matters

The launch of the new Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini 2 marks a significant refresh for Apple's smart home ecosystem after a long period without hardware updates. The integration of Apple Intelligence via the A19 chip and the new N1 wireless chip could enhance connectivity and AI features. The new Siri Remote and built-in microphones aim to improve user experience by making voice control more accessible and the remote easier to find. These updates position Apple to compete more effectively in the smart home market, especially with the upcoming HomeView hub.

What to watch

Pre-orders are expected to open this week, with the official unveiling on October 13. General availability is set for October 30. The HomeView smart hub, also announced at the event, is expected to ship in mid-November. Consumers should watch for pricing and specific feature confirmations during the October 13 event.