Apple prepares its stores for new smart home products and a possible HomePad launch: Report

Apple appears to be preparing for a bigger push into the smart home, with changes reportedly planned across its retail stores this fall. The move comes as the company is expected to refresh some of its existing home devices while also preparing a new product that has been the subject of rumours for years. 

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For Apple users watching the company's smart home plans, the developments could signal an expanding lineup built around newer hardware and Siri AI. The retail changes are also expected to give Apple more space to showcase upcoming products and accessories, offering a glimpse of what could be arriving in the months ahead.

Apple Stores to make room for new devices

Apple is reorganising parts of its brick-and-mortar stores this fall to accommodate upcoming home products, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The changes will focus on the “Avenues”, perimeter-wall displays in newer Apple Stores where products including Apple TV, HomePod, AirPods and Beats are shown alongside third-party accessories.

The planned work includes rearranging sections and adding new accessory bays. The scale of these changes suggests Apple may be preparing for more than routine product refreshes.

Apple TV, HomePod mini upgrades expected

Apple is reportedly preparing an upgraded Apple TV and a new HomePod mini. Gurman previously said both were nearly ready and would feature faster chips designed to support Siri AI, although major design changes are not expected.

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The next Apple TV is expected to use an A17 Pro chip or better, while the new HomePod mini could feature an S9-series chip, improved sound and a red colour option. The current HomePod mini has remained unchanged for more than 2,000 days.

HomePod could be the bigger addition

Apple's retail preparations are also fuelling expectations around its long-rumoured home hub with a display, sometimes called HomePad or HomePod with Display.

Gurman says it could arrive between October and early next year, with a 7-inch square display, tabletop and wall-mounting options, and a new operating system based on tvOS. Siri AI is expected to be central to the device.

Code reportedly found in macOS Tahoe 26.7 also points to a Widget Gallery offering icons, widgets and clock faces, including widgets automatically suggested from a linked iPhone.