Apple unveiled HomePod mini 2 yesterday (pre-order here), exactly six years after the first HomePod mini debuted. Here’s everything new in HomePod mini 2 compared to the original model.
Siri AI vs old Siri, plus microphone change
HomePod mini 2 is getting Siri AI support, bringing similar capabilities found in iOS 27 to Siri on your HomePod. This includes broad world knowledge, the ability to have rich, natural conversations, and music discovery upgrades. Additionally, personal context support means you can ask about a song you were recommended by a friend
The original HomePod mini will not support Siri AI, leaving it stuck on the old Siri
Siri AI won’t be available right when HomePod mini 2 ships, but it’s expected to arrive as a software update next month.
Additionally, while it’s unclear if performance will be impacted, HomePod mini 2 has three far-field microphones for interacting with Siri, down from the four offered in HomePod mini.
New S10 chip vs S5
The original HomePod mini has a very dated S5 chip, which is unsurprising since it’s a 6-year-old device. But the new HomePod mini 2 runs a much more modern S10 chip.
S10 is the main reason HomePod mini 2 supports Siri AI while the original model doesn’t. Beyond that though, Apple doesn’t offer specific details on performance improvements to expect. However, it’s possible the audio experience will be upgraded. Per Apple’s press release:
Powered by the Apple S10 chip and advanced computational audio, [HomePod mini 2] analyzes music in real time to optimize dynamic range, loudness, and acoustic performance.
Apple doesn’t explicitly say that the computational audio will be an improvement over what the previous model offered, but it’s certainly possible. We’ll have to wait for reviews to know for sure.
Sound Glow
Sound Glow is a new feature that makes the top of HomePod mini 2 come to life in response to the music it’s playing. Per Apple:
With Sound Glow, the top of HomePod mini transforms into a visual canvas that glows and pulses in sync with the music, reacting in real time to bass and treble. The song’s album artwork from Now Playing generates a color-matched light experience that’s unique to every song, and users can pick a soundscape like rain to trigger bespoke animations for a soothing atmosphere.
Apple ecosystem features: Mac default speaker and Apple TV 4K surround sound
HomePod mini 2 includes two exclusive Apple ecosystem features not available on the original HomePod mini. One is for Mac users while the second involves the new Apple TV 4K.
- Mac: HomePod mini 2 can be set as the default speaker for your Mac, either as a single speaker or a stereo pair. The original HomePod mini can only be used as a Mac speaker via AirPlay, so the connection isn’t as consistent and permanent.
- Apple TV 4K: If you have the new fourth-gen Apple TV 4K, you can use a new HomePod surround sound feature for your TV. With surround sound, your Apple TV can use four HomePod mini 2 speakers for its audio output. You can also mix-and-match with the larger HomePod 2, for example with two HomePod 2 devices as front speakers and a HomePod mini 2 stereo pair as rear speakers.
Design updates: New colors and Siri animations
It goes without saying, but one key difference between HomePod mini 2 and the original model is the new lineup of colors.
- HomePod mini 2: Blue, Green, Midnight, Pink, White
- HomePod mini: Blue, Midnight, Orange, White, Yellow
Green and pink are the standout additions, but the new blue differs from the prior color too.
Additionally, HomePod mini 2 features a new design for animations on the top of the device. Essentially, Siri AI’s fresh color scheme replaces the old Siri appearance from the original HomePod mini.
Wireless connectivity upgrades
HomePod mini 2 comes with upgrades in both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards:
HomePod mini 2 is available to pre-order for $149 and ships October 30.
Do you plan to upgrade to HomePod mini 2? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.
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