Leaked Apple Code Confirms October Launch for 4th-Gen Apple TV and New HomePod mini Colors

Key points

• MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris discovered images of the new Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini, and iPad mini in Apple’s code.
• The fourth-generation Apple TV 4K will maintain the same external design as the current model but will include internal upgrades.
• The new HomePod mini will be available in five colors, including new green, pink, and blue options, alongside white and black.
• The eighth-generation iPad mini will feature an A20 Pro chip and a relocated front-facing camera.
• All three devices are expected to launch in October 2026, aligning with Apple’s typical product cycle.

Background

Apple has been rumored to launch new hardware in October 2026, including the Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini, and iPad mini. Previous leaks indicated that the Apple TV 4K would feature an A19 or A19 Pro chip, 8GB or 12GB of RAM, and Wi-Fi 7 support via Apple’s N1 chip. The HomePod mini was expected to retain its spherical design but introduce new colors. The iPad mini was rumored to feature an A20 Pro chip and an OLED display. These updates follow Apple’s typical product cycle, with October being a common month for new product announcements.

How outlets are covering it

9to5Mac and MacRumors both report on the leaked images, with 9to5Mac emphasizing the new HomePod mini colors and the Apple TV 4K’s unchanged design. MacRumors provides more detail on the Apple TV 4K’s internal upgrades, including the A17 Pro chip, 8GB of RAM, and Wi-Fi 7 support. The Verge focuses on the iPad mini’s A20 Pro chip and relocated camera, while AppleInsider highlights the Apple TV 4K’s internal upgrades and the potential for Siri AI support. All outlets agree that the devices are expected to launch in October 2026, but they differ in the level of detail provided about the specific upgrades.

Why it matters

The leaked images confirm that Apple is preparing to launch new hardware in October 2026, including the Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini, and iPad mini. These updates are significant as they bring internal upgrades to the Apple TV 4K, new color options to the HomePod mini, and a new chip to the iPad mini. The launches are expected to align with Apple’s typical product cycle and may include support for the new Siri AI assistant.

What to watch

Apple is expected to announce the new Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini, and iPad mini in October 2026. The Apple TV 4K will likely feature internal upgrades, including a new chip, more RAM, and Wi-Fi 7 support. The HomePod mini will introduce new color options, and the iPad mini will feature an A20 Pro chip and a relocated camera. These launches are expected to align with Apple’s typical product cycle and may include support for the new Siri AI assistant.