HomePod mini 2 vs HomePod mini: Here’s everything new

Apple introduced the HomePod mini 2 on June 18, 2023, six years after the launch of the first HomePod mini. The new model brings several enhancements over its predecessor. Siri AI support is now available on HomePod mini 2, enabling advanced features such as broad world knowledge, natural conversations, and music discovery improvements.

Personal context support allows users to inquire about songs recommended by friends or retrieve information from their email. The original HomePod mini lacks Siri AI and will not receive it until a software update in the following month. HomePod mini 2 also features three far-field microphones compared to the four in the older version.

Its core component, the S10 chip, is significantly more recent than the S5 chip used in the original HomePod mini. While Apple does not disclose specific performance upgrades, the S10 chip likely leads to better audio quality. A novel feature, Sound Glow, makes the top of HomePod mini 2 light up in response to the music being played, syncing with bass and treble frequencies.

The light changes color based on the album artwork and users can select a soundscape for a soothing atmosphere. Exclusive to HomePod mini 2 are two features tailored for Mac users and the new Apple TV 4K. Among the upgraded aesthetics, HomePod mini 2 offers green, pink, and blue color options, along with new animation designs on the device's top. The HomePod mini 2 is set to pre-order for $149 and is scheduled to ship on October 30.