Apple's next HomePod mini won't get a redesign, but will get some new colors

appleinsider.com Sep 25, 2026

Apple’s next HomePod mini won’t get a redesign, but will get some new colors

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Sep 25, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Apple is preparing a second‑generation HomePod mini that retains the original spherical chassis while adding four color options. The new lineup will replace the current yellow and orange finishes with powder pink and forest‑green, while blue, black and white return. The details emerged from product‑image files embedded in Apple’s software code, which MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris uncovered and shared. Apple has not formally announced the device, but the presence of the images suggests a launch is imminent. The first HomePod mini arrived in October 2020 and survived the discontinuation of the full‑size HomePod, remaining the company’s sole smart speaker until a refreshed full‑size model appeared in January 2023. The upcoming refresh signals Apple’s continued focus on the compact smart‑speaker market.

💡 Why It Matters

· Fresh colorways let Apple tap aesthetic differentiation to sustain consumer interest in a crowded smart‑speaker space.

Read full article on appleinsider.com

New iPad mini details revealed in latest leak

A new leak from Apple’s internal code reveals that the next‑generation iPad mini will feature a new A20 Pro chip, matching the power of the iPhone 18 Pro, and an OLED display. The design remains largely unchanged from the current model, but the camera relocates to the side, and a small speaker cutout appears at the top of the screen. The device is expected to offer improved water resistance and a revised speaker system, with a projected release by the end of October.

💡 The A20 Pro upgrade signals a significant performance leap for the iPad mini, positioning it as a more capable competitor in the mid‑size tablet market.

9to5mac.com · Sep 25

Apple and Qualcomm renew global patent licensing agreement

Qualcomm and Apple have extended their global patent licensing agreement, which originally expired in 2027, with a new deal effective April 1, 2027. The renewal follows a 2019 settlement that ended a 2017 lawsuit over Qualcomm’s licensing practices and royalty payments. The original agreement, which included a six‑year term and a two‑year extension option, was exercised by Apple to run through March 2027. Qualcomm announced the renewal without disclosing its duration, while Apple has not yet commented. The extension does not address current modem supply arrangements.

💡 The renewal secures a long‑term patent partnership that underpins future iPhone chip designs, reducing legal uncertainty for both firms. It also signals continued reliance on Qualcomm’s modem technology amid Apple’s gradual shift toward in‑house solutions.

appleinsider.com · Sep 25

How to leave iCloud without losing your data

Apple users who cancel or downgrade iCloud+ risk losing years of photos, messages, and other synchronized data if they do not first export or back up each service. The article explains that iCloud is a collection of distinct systems—some sync live libraries, others back up devices or power Apple‑only features. It advises performing a thorough account audit, creating encrypted device backups, and moving data category by category to external storage or another cloud provider before disabling sync or canceling the plan.

💡 Properly exporting iCloud data protects users from accidental permanent loss of personal and business information that could otherwise be irretrievable after service termination.

9to5mac.com · Sep 25

Rare ‘Antennagate’ press conference Q&A video surfaces online

A full 47‑minute video of the post‑launch Q&A that followed Apple’s 2010 “Antennagate” press conference has been uploaded to YouTube by the channel Sir Mix‑A‑Lot Rare Music. The original event, held weeks after the iPhone 4’s release, featured Steve Jobs, then‑COO Tim Cook and SVP Bob Mansfield fielding press questions about signal loss when the phone was held a certain way. Jobs offered a free case or a full refund, and the session became famous for a photo of the executives pulling their caseless phones from their pockets. The newly surfaced footage provides the first complete visual record of the exchange, though the uploader’s source and Apple’s response remain unclear.

💡 It gives historians and analysts an unfiltered look at Apple’s real‑time crisis management and product‑design communication strategy.

appleinsider.com · Sep 25

Higher prices are just making iPhones more desirable in India

Apple’s latest iPhone 18 Pro is driving a surge in Indian demand despite higher prices, with analysts noting a near‑20 % increase over the iPhone 17 Pro and a projected market‑share rise to 10 % in 2026, up from 4 % in 2022. Consumers queued for hours at Mumbai and other flagship stores, motivated more by owning the newest model than by its technical upgrades. Zero‑interest financing, allowing monthly payments under 10 % of the $1,700 price tag, has softened the cost barrier. While Apple’s June‑quarter sales fell due to supply constraints, the brand has enjoyed four years of growth in the market. Competing entry‑level manufacturers, however, have seen sharp declines since early 2026. The trend underscores India's shift toward premiumization and challenges rivals' pricing strategies overall.

💡 The premium‑price pull shows Indian consumers now equate cost with status, giving Apple a rare growth lever in a market where rivals compete on price.

bgr.com · Sep 25

Apple Watch Series 12 Review: Better Health Tracking Makes This A Worthwhile…

Apple released the Series 12 smartwatch for $399, retaining the Series 11 design and a 24‑hour battery. Internally, Apple introduced a new S11 chip and a redesigned health‑sensing platform that samples heart rate every five seconds, splits heart‑rate variability into two metrics, and delivers a new Readiness score. These upgrades position the watch against competitors like the Oura Ring and Whoop. The device offers enhanced health tracking while keeping the familiar exterior and price point.

💡 The upgraded sensors give users more precise, real‑time health data, enabling better fitness and wellness decisions. This leap in accuracy could shift consumer expectations for smartwatch health monitoring.