Apple seems to have inadvertently disclosed a range of upcoming hardware through internal identifiers found in publicly available software code. These clues suggest various product lines, as first reported by MacRumors, and lend credence to earlier reports and speculations about Apple’s future offerings.
Apple’s software frequently includes device strings, codenames, and chip references that emerge prior to a product launch, often confirming device families if not their specifications. The recently leaked identifiers provide a clearer picture of Apple’s plans for late 2025 to 2026, indicating upgrades in silicon across its range, improvements for Apple TV featuring AI/gaming functionalities, and developments in display technology hinting at a premium Studio Display expected in early 2026.
Leaked Product Details
New HomePod mini
- Expected Features: A revamped HomePod mini (codename B525) is linked to Apple’s T8310 microarchitecture, indicating significant improvements over the current model.
- Upgrades: The new version is anticipated to feature a 64-bit dual-core CPU based on the A16 chip and a 4-core Neural Engine, enhancing processing capabilities and audio features.
- Pricing Insight: The pricing will likely remain close to the current $99 model, despite the upgrades.
New Apple TV
- Upcoming Changes: A new Apple TV model is set to debut “later this year” featuring the A17 Pro chip, significantly boosting performance and enabling advanced graphics.
- Differentiation: This model is likely to provide vast improvements over the existing Apple TV 4K, which uses the A15 chip.
- Pricing Expectations: Anticipate pricing to remain between $129 and $149, barring any major configuration changes.
New iPad Model
- What’s Coming: Apple’s next entry-level iPad (J581/J582) is tied to an A18 chip and is expected in spring.
- Improvements: The A18 is rumored to incorporate a 16-core Neural Engine, enhancing AI capabilities while maintaining the device’s existing design.
- Pricing Approach: Current entry pricing stands at $349, likely to remain stable with the introduction of the A18 chip.
This isn’t the first instance of Apple unintentionally revealing upcoming hardware through software. Previously, products like AirTags have been hinted at in code before their official announcements. While these references are consistent with Apple’s historical practices, the actual details and timelines are subject to change until announced.
The initial draft of this article was generated with the assistance of generative AI, and an editor verified the information before publication.
