Apple has two new options for people looking to upgrade their home entertainment setup. The company has launched the Apple TV 4K (4th Generation) and HomePod mini 2, with upgrades ranging from a faster chip in the streaming box to new sound and lighting features in the smart speaker.
The new Apple TV 4K runs on the A19 chip and brings Siri AI to content discovery, while the HomePod mini 2 gets the S10 chip and arrives in five colours. Apple has also confirmed that Siri AI will come to the speaker through a future software update.
Apple TV 4K (4th Generation), HomePod mini 2 Price in India, Availability
The Apple TV 4K (4th Generation) is priced at Rs. 39,900 in India. Sales will begin on November 13.
The HomePod mini 2 is cheaper at Rs. 18,900 and will be available from October 30. It comes in Pink, Green, Blue, White and Midnight colour options.
Apple TV 4K (4th Generation) Features, Specifications
The new Apple TV 4K gets Apple's A19 chip, which the company says offers up to 50 per cent faster CPU performance and twice the GPU performance of the previous model. It also includes a dedicated AV1 decoder to support more efficient video streaming.
Finding something to watch is getting an upgrade, too. Siri AI can help users look for films and TV shows, suggest content and respond to questions in a conversational manner. If a user wants to know more about something they're watching, they can ask a follow-up question and get a short response on the screen without interrupting playback with a full-screen interface.
Voice control is supported by three built-in far-field microphones. Apple has also updated the remote with Find My and Precision Finding, so locating it should be easier when it disappears between sofa cushions or gets left in another room.
For those who want more than TV speakers, the new streaming box supports a four-speaker surround sound setup when paired with four HomePod mini 2 or HomePod (2nd generation) speakers.
There's more to it than watching films and shows. The Apple TV 4K supports Apple Fitness+, Apple Arcade and FaceTime through Continuity Camera. Users can also turn their photos into personalised screensavers.
HomePod mini 2 Features, Specifications
The HomePod mini 2 is powered by Apple's S10 chip. It uses computational audio to adjust sound as music plays and supports 360-degree audio. The speaker can be used on its own, paired with another unit for stereo sound, or connected to other compatible speakers for multiroom playback.
It can also be part of a bigger TV audio setup. Apple says users can connect up to four HomePod mini 2 speakers to the new Apple TV 4K to create a surround sound system.
One of the more unusual additions is Sound Glow. Instead of simply playing music, the speaker's top surface lights up and pulses in response to the bass and treble. Users can also select soundscapes, including rain, to create ambient lighting effects.
Siri AI, however, won't be ready to use on the HomePod mini 2 from day one. Apple plans to add it through a future software update, bringing more natural conversations, personalised assistance and better music discovery.
The speaker can also help run a smart home. Users can control compatible accessories, manage scenes and set up automations through Apple's ecosystem. Support for compatible Apple Home Collection devices, including video doorbells and cameras, means it can also be used alongside home security products.
For existing Apple users, the appeal of both devices lies in how they work together. The Apple TV 4K handles streaming, apps and entertainment, while the HomePod mini 2 adds music playback and smart home controls. Pairing them can also give users another way to build a connected home without relying on separate audio and control systems.