Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Apple Rearranges Stores Ahead of New Smart Home Products
Apple may be preparing its stores for several new smart-home devices.
Workers are expected to rearrange display areas and add more spaces for accessories.
A faster Apple TV may be coming.
Apple may also release a new HomePod mini with better sound and possibly a red colour.
The company is also reportedly considering a device with a screen, sometimes called HomePad.
This device could sit on a table or hang on a wall.
It may use software based on tvOS.
Siri AI is expected to be an important part of these products.
Apple is reportedly reorganising parts of its stores this fall to make room for upcoming home products.
The changes will focus on perimeter-wall “Avenues” displays featuring Apple TV, HomePod, AirPods, Beats and accessories.
An upgraded Apple TV and new HomePod mini may receive faster chips to support Siri AI.
The new HomePod mini could offer improved sound and a red colour option, while major design changes are not expected.
A possible HomePad or HomePod with Display could arrive between October and early next year with a 7-inch display and tvOS-based software.
- Who
- Apple, with details reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
- What
- Apple is reportedly preparing store changes and several possible smart-home products, including an upgraded Apple TV, a new HomePod mini and a display-equipped home hub.
- When
- Store changes are planned for this fall; the possible display-equipped home hub could arrive between October and early next year.
- Where
- In Apple Stores, especially the perimeter-wall “Avenues” display areas.
- Why
- To accommodate upcoming home products and accessories and support Apple’s broader smart-home plans involving newer hardware and Siri AI.
- Retail area
- The planned changes focus on Apple Stores’ “Avenues” perimeter-wall displays.
- Expected Apple TV upgrade
- The next Apple TV is expected to use an A17 Pro chip or better.
- Expected HomePod mini chip
- The new HomePod mini could use an S9-series chip.
- HomePod mini features
- Reported possibilities include improved sound and a red colour option.
- Possible display hub
- The rumoured HomePad or HomePod with Display could have a 7-inch square screen.
- Mounting options
- The possible display-equipped device could be placed on a table or mounted on a wall.
- Software
- The rumoured home hub is expected to use a new operating system based on tvOS.