Apple readies retail revamp ahead of new HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K and smart home hub launch
Apple is planning extensive changes to its stores this fall to showcase a refreshed HomePod mini, an updated Apple TV 4K and a yet-unconfirmed smart home hub with a display, according to Bloomberg reporting.
Apple is set to overhaul sections of its retail locations this autumn, adding new accessory bays and rearranging displays, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported. The modifications are intended to highlight an upgraded Apple TV 4K set-top box and a refreshed HomePod mini, both expected to launch later this year. The scale of the store changes also hints at a larger product, likely a smart home hub featuring a built-in display, that could debut alongside the other updates.
The hub, long rumored, is described as a 7-inch square device that may be offered in two versions—one with an integrated speaker and another with magnetic rear mounts for wall installation. It is expected to run a new operating system with widget support, enable FaceTime calls, and serve as a central controller for smart-home accessories using Siri, powered by an A18 chip. Apple TV 4K may also receive a refreshed Siri Remote, though details remain unclear.
Apple has not confirmed the timing or specifications of these products, and final details are anticipated at the company’s September keynote.