Apple TV, HomePod Inventory Tightens Ahead of Possible Refresh

Retail inventory for the Apple TV and HomePod lineup is running unusually low in multiple regions. The drop in supply points to potential hardware updates, though Apple has already held these products back once to wait for software improvements, and low stock does not always mean a launch is imminent.



Stock levels for the HomePod mini appear to be the most constrained. Customers attempting to purchase the smaller smart speaker through Apple's online store are encountering shipping delays stretching into early next month, and the device is difficult to find at physical Apple Store locations. The full-sized HomePod is also seeing reduced availability at some retail stores, though online orders still appear to be processing normally. The Apple TV set-top box currently maintains the healthiest inventory levels of the three devices.


According to Mark Gurman, Apple has had updated versions of the Apple TV and HomePod mini ready for production since last year. The company reportedly chose to hold the hardware back to coincide with the launch of its revamped Siri and other artificial intelligence features. The strategy was to launch the new devices alongside a more capable version of Siri.

That timeline has since slipped. Recent reports indicate that Apple delayed major Siri AI upgrades after internal testing revealed performance snags. The software challenges have already impacted Apple's broader home strategy, pushing the launch of a highly anticipated smart home display into the fall.

Unlike the upcoming smart display, which relies entirely on the new Siri interface, the Apple TV and HomePod mini do not require advanced AI to function. Gurman notes that if Apple pushes the refreshed speakers and set-top boxes to market soon, it likely means the company grew tired of waiting for the software to be ready.

Apple last updated the Apple TV 4K in late 2022 and introduced the second-generation full-sized HomePod in early 2023. A hardware refresh now would help bridge the gap before Apple makes a broader push into the smart home market later this year. The timing aligns with the current software cycle, as Apple is wrapping up testing on the tvOS 26.4 Release Candidate which is expected to launch to the public shortly.