The new HomePod mini 2 is a bigger upgrade than it looks

Дата публикации: 13-10-2026 15:08:23

Macworld



Apple has announced the HomePod mini 2, an update to its smart speaker that was originally released six years ago. That’s a long time between updates–with a gap that long, this update should be a substantial one.
The HomePod mini 2 still has the same size and shape as the original HomePod mini, but it does have substantial-enough upgrades that you’ll want to replace your original HomePod mini if you have one. And if you’re new to the HomePod mini 2, you should know the new features, in case you’re thinking of getting by with an old one you might find at a cheap price. Here’s what the new HomePod mini 2 can do that the original HomePod mini doesn’t.
Siri AI
This is probably the reason why it took four years for the HomePod mini 2 to hit the market. Siri AI is Apple’s voice-activated digital assistant, and on the HomePod mini 2, think of it as a competitor to Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home. The new model uses the S10 Apple Watch chip, several generations ahead of the S5 in the original model.
What makes Siri AI different from the Siri in the original HomePod mini? Siri AI is much more capable now, able to do more than rote tasks like playing a song. Apple says Siri AI has “broad world knowledge,” so it can respond to any questions with answers from the web. It’s also much more conversational.







HomePod mini 2















To use Siri AI, the HomePod mini 2 requires pairing with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad. It can connect to up to six users in a household and securely access apps such as Messages, Music, Clock, Calendar, Contacts, Mail, and more.
According to Apple, Siri AI on HomePod mini 2 won’t be available immediately, and it is only available in English. So if you pre-order one now, it won’t not have Siri AI right away. When it does arrive, Siri AI is available in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Africa.
Four-speaker surround sound with new Apple TV 4K



Apple
If you decide to get the new Apple TV 4K, you can set up your home theater with four-speaker surround sound using the HomePod mini 2. This setup will identify the speaker locations in the room and properly set the speaker timing and audio level for proper calubration.
Four-speaker surround sound requires matching pairs; you can have four HomePod mini 2s, or matching pairs (front and rear) of the HomePod mini 2s and the 2nd-generation HomePod. It doesn’t appear that the original HomePod mini can be used in this arrangement at all and you can’t mix-and-match stereo pairs.
The HomePod mini 2’s S10 chip analyzes audio in real time to optimize dynamic range, loudness, and acoustic performance, and it still offers 360-degree sound. However, Apple does not specifically claim improved audio quality over the original HomePod mini.
Soundglow
The HomePod mini 2 has a screen with a feature called Soundglow, a “visual canvas that glows and pulses in sync with the music, reacting in real time to bass and treble.” Colors that match a song’s album artwork are used, and you can choose a soundscape to create “bespoke animations for a soothing atmosphere.” However, you’ll need to be standing above or at least near a HomePod mini 2 to see it.



Apple
Updated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
The HomePod mini 2 supports Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 6, which are upgrades over the 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 in the original HomePod mini. This means that the new device will have faster wireless connectivity and less latency.
The HomePod mini 2 continues to offer Thread connectivity, as well as peer-to-peer discovery. An Ultra Wideband chip is used for device proximity.



PInk is a new addition to the HomePod mini 2 lineup.Apple
New colors
Apple has decided to go with more neutral tones for the HomePod mini 2. It is available in blue, green, pink, midnight, and white. It is no longer available in yellow or orange.
What’s the same
The HomePod mini 2 still have the features of the original HomePod mini, including:
Connectivity with the Mac
Connectivity with smart home devices (Home app and HomeKit)
Stereo audio paring
Four-microphone design for far-field Siri
Multiroom audio with AirPlay
Sound Recognition for smoke and carbon monoxide alarm sounds
Intercom transcriptions
Temperature and humidity sensors
Price and availability
HomePod mini 2 is $149/£149 and is currently available for pre-order now. Shipments begin on October 30.

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