Apple’s October Hardware Push Confirmed: iPad mini, HomePod mini, and Apple TV 4K Leaks Detail Upgrades

Key points

• The iPad mini 8 will upgrade to the A20 Pro chip, include an OLED display, and feature a landscape-oriented front camera.
• The HomePod mini 2 will maintain its original design but introduce new subdued colors, including green, pink, blue, white, and black.
• The Apple TV 4K (4th generation) will retain its existing external design but upgrade internally with the A20 Pro chip, 8GB RAM, and Wi-Fi 7 support.
• All three devices are expected to be announced by late October 2026, following the recent launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo.
• The iPad mini will also feature improved water resistance and a new vibration-based speaker system.

Background

Apple has been preparing a series of hardware updates for late 2026, following the release of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo in September. Previous leaks in early September confirmed the A20 Pro chip and design changes for the iPad mini. The current iPad mini, launched in October 2024, features the A17 Pro chip, while the current Apple TV 4K, released in October 2022, uses the A15 Bionic chip. The HomePod mini has remained unchanged since its 2020 debut.

How outlets are covering it

9to5Mac emphasizes the software limitations of the current iPad mini, particularly the lack of effective multitasking and picture-in-picture functionality, suggesting Apple should adopt features from the iPhone Duo. The Verge focuses on the hardware details revealed in leaks, such as the camera relocation and new speaker groove. AppleInsider highlights the internal upgrades for the Apple TV 4K, including the A20 Pro chip and Wi-Fi 7, while noting the unchanged external design. MacRumors provides a broader context, confirming the specs for the upcoming low-cost iPad 12, which will feature the A19 chip and 8GB RAM, but notes that no low-cost iPad is expected until spring 2027.

Why it matters

These updates signal Apple’s strategy to refresh its mid-range and accessory hardware with significant internal upgrades, particularly in performance and connectivity. The iPad mini’s move to OLED and the A20 Pro chip addresses long-standing user complaints about software limitations and performance. The Apple TV 4K’s upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 and Siri AI aims to modernize the device for 2027 and beyond, while the HomePod mini’s new colors appeal to consumers seeking aesthetic variety without a design overhaul.

What to watch

Apple is expected to officially announce the iPad mini 8, HomePod mini 2, and Apple TV 4K by late October 2026. The low-cost iPad 12, featuring the A19 chip and 8GB RAM, is not expected until spring 2027. Pricing for the new Apple TV 4K remains unknown, but the current model’s price was increased to $199 in June 2026.