Apple made a significant mistake Wednesday when it accidentally included internal hardware identifiers in publicly shared software code. The leak has revealed Apple’s plans for chip upgrades across seven product categories, giving us a rare glimpse into the company’s product roadmap through 2026.
The leak confirms several upcoming devices will receive notable performance boosts. Apple’s next Vision Pro headset will use the new M5 chip, while the iPad Mini is set to get the A19 Pro – the same processor expected in this year’s iPhone 17 Pro models.
For TV viewers, the next Apple TV will jump from the current A15 chip to the much more powerful A17 Pro, which currently powers the iPhone 15 Pro. This upgrade should make Apple’s streaming box significantly faster and better at handling games and AI features.
Apple’s small smart speaker, the HomePod Mini, is also due for an update. Code suggests it will use the same T8310 architecture found in recent Apple Watches – a major improvement over its aging S5 chip. The company is also testing built-in Wi-Fi 6E technology and may offer new color options.
For computer users waiting on display upgrades, the code points to a second-generation Studio Display coming in early 2026. Apple appears to be testing mini-LED technology for this monitor, which would provide much better contrast and brightness than the current model. This new display would likely launch alongside the first Macs powered by M5 chips.
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Budget tablet shoppers will see improvements too. The entry-level iPad is referenced with an A18 chip and appears targeted for a spring release. This upgrade would bring Apple Intelligence features to the company’s most affordable tablet.
Apple Watch fans can expect the Series 11 lineup to use a new S11 chip based on the same T8310 architecture as current models. The focus appears to be on efficiency improvements rather than dramatic performance gains.
Beyond these “chip bump” refreshes, Bloomberg has separately reported Apple is working on a Ring-like home security camera, a smart home hub (delayed to mid-2026), and even a tabletop robot with advanced Siri capabilities targeted for 2027.
While none of these products have been officially announced, the code leak provides unusually concrete evidence of Apple’s hardware plans. Tim Cook reportedly told employees there’s an “amazing pipeline of products” coming, which aligns with this extensive roadmap.
For consumers, these upgrades mean Apple’s devices should handle more demanding tasks, particularly AI features that require significant processing power. The A17 Pro chip in the next Apple TV, for example, would allow the streaming device to run Apple Intelligence features that are currently limited to higher-end devices.
Apple has a history of leaving clues about future products in its code. Previous leaks accurately predicted devices like AirTags and various AirPods models before their official announcement. However, final specifications and release dates can still change before products hit store shelves.
With substantial upgrades planned across nearly every product line, Apple seems positioned to deliver meaningful improvements to its entire ecosystem over the next 18 months.
