Apple refreshes its Homepod mini with a new chip and $149 price tag

Apple unveiled an updated version of its HomePod Mini smart speaker at its smart home event on Tuesday, alongside the introduction of a new device called HomeView. The refreshed HomePod Mini comes with a new S10 chip that enhances dynamic range, loudness, and acoustic performance. This $149 update, priced $50 higher than its original 2020 release, introduces Siri AI integration, enabling multi-turn conversations and allowing users to control smart home devices via voice commands.

Additionally, the speaker can detect certain sounds, such as a smoke alarm, and alert users through their phones - a feature Alexa devices have offered for years. Apple stated that the new assistant will be available for HomePod mini 2 buyers, though no specific date was provided. The device also integrates better with other Apple products, such as forming a four-speaker home entertainment system with the new Apple TV 4K, and can serve as the default speaker for Mac video calls or music playback.

Apple has introduced a new visual feature called "Sound Glow," which transforms the top of the HomePod mini into a visual canvas, changing colors and pulsing in time with the music. Users can also select soundscapes like rain or ocean waves for animations. Available in pink, green, blue, white, and midnight, the new HomePod mini will be on sale starting October 30, with pre-orders opening today.