Apple unveils $149 HomePod Mini 2, with Siri AI coming in a later update
Apple’s HomePod Mini 2 is available to preorder for $149 and will launch on October 30. The speaker adds an S10 chip, music-synced lighting and expanded connections with other Apple devices, while Siri AI support will arrive through a future update.
techcrunch.comApple refreshes its HomePod mini with a new chip and $149 price tag
theverge.comApple’s HomePod Mini 2 is available to preorder
Price and availability
Apple unveiled the HomePod Mini 2 at its smart home event on October 13. Preorders opened the same day, with availability starting October 30. At $149, it costs $50 more than the original model launched in 2020.
The speaker looks almost identical to its predecessor, according to The Verge. TechCrunch lists its colors as pink, green, blue, white and midnight; The Verge describes the darkest option as black.
New chip, delayed Siri AI
The HomePod Mini 2 uses an S10 chip, which TechCrunch reports helps improve dynamic range, loudness and acoustic performance. Siri AI support will come through a future software update rather than at launch.
Apple said the upgraded assistant will support multi-turn conversations, but did not announce when it would become available. The speaker also supports voice control of smart home devices and can notify users’ phones when it detects sounds such as a smoke alarm.
Lighting and device connections
A feature called “Sound Glow” uses colors from album artwork to illuminate the speaker’s top in sync with music. Users can also select soundscapes, including rain or ocean waves, to trigger animations.
The speakers can form a four-speaker entertainment system with the new Apple TV 4K or serve as a Mac’s default audio output. The Verge reports that Mac compatibility requires Wi-Fi 6E support.
