Apple’s new HomePod mini 2 became available for pre-order two weeks ago, and it will begin hitting front steps and store shelves tomorrow, Friday, October 30. But what does the updated smart speaker bring to the table? (Or desk, depending on where you want to put it.)
It should be noted right out of the gate that while Siri AI will be one of the HomePod mini 2’s big features, it won’t be available out of the box. No one knows how long you’ll have to wait for it, as Apple only says it will come in a future software update.
So, what are the specs and features of the new HomePod mini 2?
Well, when Siri AI does arrive, when the HomePod mini is paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad, it will be able to recognize up to six users by voice and connect to their device for personalized information like Messages.
Apple says the new HomePod mini’s new Sound Glow feature transforms the top of the smart speaker “into a visual canvas that glows and pulses in sync with the music, reacting in real time to bass and treble.” A song’s album artwork from Now Playing generates a unique color-matched light experience for every song. Users can pick a soundscape like rain to trigger bespoke animations for a soothing atmosphere. This feature is also compatible with the OG HomePod mini, and I use it on mine. It’s actually quite nice.
Four HomePod minis can be paired together to create a four-speaker surround sound setup with the new Apple TV 4K, also announced today. Together, the four speakers and the new Apple TV 4K intelligently recognize each speaker’s position in the room, so audio timing and levels are automatically calibrated to the space.
The HomePod mini also works as a speaker for the Mac. I have three 1st-generation HomePod minis around my home, and one of these is in my home office, where I have my Mac mini. It makes quite a nice speaker for the Mac, while also still performing its other duties.
The new HomePod mini can continue to serve as a home hub and control smart home devices, just like the previous model. Its Sound Recognition feature can listen for smoke or carbon monoxide alarms, sending an alert if one is detected.
The new HomePod mini also works seamlessly with smart home accessories, including the new Apple Home Collection video doorbells and cameras, using Face Recognition to announce who is at the door.
Pricing and Availability
- HomePod mini 2 is available for $149 (U.S.), in pink, green, blue, white, and midnight.
- Siri AI will be available in English on HomePod mini 2 via a future software update in the U.S., Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, and the UK.
- HomePod mini 2 is compatible with HomePod software 27.2.
