Apple HomePod hardware and software development

Reports indicate Apple is developing a second-generation HomePod mini, which would be the first major hardware update for the smart speaker since 2020. This new model is expected to feature a more powerful processor, such as the S9 chip, to support enhanced computational audio and an upgraded version of Siri integrated with Apple Intelligence.

Recent code discovered in the audioOS 27 beta and macOS Tahoe 26.7 suggests significant software and hardware expansions. A potential four-speaker surround sound configuration would allow users to arrange four second-generation HomePods into a home theater system. In this setup, front speakers would handle stereo channels with acoustic compensation for wall or corner placement, while rear speakers would utilize omnidirectional processing. The system would manage automatic room calibration, timing adjustments, bass management, and EQ.

Software developments also include a ‘Party Mode’ for stereo-paired speakers, designed to create a more diffuse and even sound field across a room rather than optimizing for a single ‘sweet spot.’

Technical references to a hardware configuration codenamed ‘Forklift’ suggest Apple may combine two second-generation HomePods with two unidentified speakers from the AID12007 hardware family. This indicates potential new audio hardware, such as a third-generation HomePod or a new HomePod mini, to complement these ecosystem updates. Additionally, code references to two gaming controller models, T6502 and T1507, suggest a potential move into the gaming peripheral market. The T6502 is described as a basic wired model with advanced haptic feedback via four channels, while the T1507 is a wireless Bluetooth model featuring a gyroscope and accelerometer.