New HomePod mini 2 offers Siri AI–but not yet

Apple unveiled the new HomePod mini 2 on Tuesday, a smart home product priced at $149 and powered by an S10 chip from the Apple Watch Series 10. However, the product's most notable feature—Siri AI support—will not be available at launch on October 30. Instead, Apple claims that Siri AI will arrive "in a future software update." When implemented, the HomePod mini 2 will be able to leverage personal context when paired with an Apple Intelligence-capable iPhone or iPad.

In the absence of such devices, it will still possess broader Siri AI capabilities but won't have access to the extensive data tied to your device. Apple has emphasized the HomePod mini 2's seamless integration with the wider home ecosystem. Like its predecessor, this device allows voice control over home gadgets. Additionally, Apple has introduced a fresh four-speaker surround sound setup, allowing four HomePod minis connected to the new Apple TV 4K to deliver an immersive audio experience.

The tech giant continues to experiment with the small glowing circle at the top of the HomePod, transforming it into a visualizer called Sound Glow. This feature generates visualizations based on the song playing, with colors corresponding to the album art of the track.