Apple still plans to release a new version of its full-sized HomePod, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The speaker is not expected to be part of Apple’s upcoming smart home announcements, but the company reportedly remains committed to updating the product after bringing it back to market in 2023.

Apple discontinued the original HomePod in 2021 before reintroducing the larger speaker two years later. The current model remains the company’s premium standalone smart speaker, although its relatively high price and limited smart-home role have made it a niche product.

When could the next HomePod arrive?

Apple is expected to announce a new HomePod mini, an updated Apple TV 4K, and an entirely new smart home hub on Tuesday, October 13, according to the report. The full-sized HomePod is not expected to be announced alongside those devices and will reportedly arrive at a later date.

That timing suggests Apple may be treating the larger speaker as a separate product refresh rather than as part of its initial smart home push. Apple has not publicly announced a release date for the next full-sized HomePod.

Smarter Siri could require a faster chip

More capable Siri support is expected to be one of the main reasons to update the speaker. Apple’s current full-sized HomePod uses the S7 chip, which originally debuted in the Apple Watch Series 7. A newer processor would likely be needed to handle Apple’s more intelligent Siri features.

Other possible changes include improved audio quality and additional color choices. The next model could also use Apple’s custom-designed N1 chip, which is associated with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support. Those specifications remain expected upgrades rather than features Apple has confirmed.

Why the full-sized HomePod still matters

The larger HomePod remains useful for Apple households that want a straightforward home theater audio setup. Two HomePods can be configured as the default audio output for an Apple TV 4K, creating a stereo pair for compatible content.

However, the speaker’s price has moved higher since its 2023 return. Apple raised the U.S. price of the current HomePod from $299 at launch to $349 in June. That matches the launch price of the first-generation HomePod in 2018, bringing the product back to its original price point.

A future model with newer processing, stronger wireless connectivity, and smarter Siri could give Apple a clearer reason to keep the full-sized HomePod in its lineup. Until Apple confirms the product, though, its launch timing and final specifications remain unknown.