Key Highlights
- Rare updates coming for AirTag 2, Mac displays, and HomePod mini 2.
- New features rumored for the Studio Display 2 include A19 chip and ProMotion refresh rate.
- HomePod mini 2 is expected to launch in spring with upgraded audio quality and Siri support.
- Apple TV 4K rumored to get an A17 Pro chip and Dolby Vision 2 support.
The Rare Update Dilemma at Apple
Rare updates from Apple are a rare sight. This year, the tech giant is finally getting around to refreshing some of its most stagnant products. You might think this is new, but… it’s been years since we’ve seen such a batch of long-overdue upgrades.
The Studio Display 2: An Anticipated Update
Apple’s Mac displays are notorious for their infrequent updates. The Pro Display XDR, launched in 2019, hasn’t received any major overhauls since then. However, the latest reports suggest that the Studio Display 2 could be on its way—perhaps alongside new M5 Pro and M5 Max versions of the MacBook Pro.
New features are rumored to include a powerful A19 chip, support for ProMotion with refresh rates up to 90Hz or 120Hz, and HDR compatibility. It’s highly likely that Apple will also upgrade the camera, possibly integrating Center Stage technology like they’ve done with Macs.
The HomePod mini 2: A Smart Home Push?
Apple is rumored to be making a big push into the smart home market this year, spurred by the launch of its new AI-powered Siri. The first HomePod mini, released over five years ago, is long overdue for an upgrade. It’s expected that the HomePod mini 2 will feature an upgraded S-class chip, improved audio quality, and support for both new Siri features and Apple Intelligence.
The HomePod mini 2 could also include a second-gen Ultra Wideband chip and a new N1 wireless chip. With its debut likely in March or April around the release of iOS 26.4, it’s shaping up to be quite the contender in the smart speaker market.
The Apple TV 4K: A Spring Launch?
While the HomePod mini 2 and Studio Display 2 are generating a lot of buzz, the Apple TV 4K isn’t far behind. Originally rumored for last year, it’s now expected to arrive this spring with an A17 Pro chip, Apple Intelligence, and AI-powered Siri support. The new model is also said to feature Dolby Vision 2 support and could even include a built-in camera.
Although there are reports that Apple has tested models with cameras, the final decision on whether to include one remains uncertain. The launch of the HomePod mini 2 alongside the Apple TV 4K seems like a smart move for Apple to make its presence felt in both markets at once.
The AirTag 2: A Quick Fix?
Lastly, let’s not forget about the AirTag 2. Launched five years after the original model, it brings some much-needed improvements. The new pack includes a 10-year battery case and a MagSafe Car Mount for iPhone AirPods Pro 3, which is a welcome addition to its fast-charging capabilities.
These updates might seem minor compared to what we’re seeing with the HomePod mini 2 and Studio Display 2, but they’re still significant.
Apple’s been criticized for neglecting certain product lines, so these long-awaited upgrades are a breath of fresh air.
Are there any other rarely updated Apple products you hope launch new models this year? Let us know in the comments below. You might be surprised by what else is on the horizon from Cupertino.
