HomePod Mini 2 Launches Today: All the New Features
Today is HomePod mini 2 launch day, with the first pre-orders beginning to arrive to customers and the speaker now available to purchase at most Apple Store locations around the world. In the U.S., the HomePod mini 2 is priced at $149, with two-tone pink, green, and blue color options available alongside white and midnight. Here is what is new with the HomePod mini 2: Siri AI support is coming in…
Today marks the launch of the HomePod mini 2, with pre-orders starting and the speaker now purchasable at most Apple Stores worldwide. In the U.S., it is priced at $149, offering two-tone pink, green, and blue hues alongside white and midnight. Here are the key updates:
Siri AI support is slated for a future software update, necessitating an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad for personalized context-based requests.
The S10 chip replaces the S5 chip from the previous model, enabling advanced computational audio. However, Apple did not confirm improved sound quality over the original.
Wi-Fi 6E support replaces Wi-Fi 4, and Bluetooth 6 has replaced Bluetooth 5.
The HomePod mini 2 supports default audio output on Macs with Wi-Fi 6E and later, as does the full-sized HomePod 2 with software updates.
A new feature called Sound Glow sees the top area glow and pulse in sync with the music. This feature has been added to the original HomePod mini.
Four-speaker surround sound is available with the new Apple TV 4K, connecting four HomePod mini 2 or full-sized HomePod 2 speakers in front and rear pairs, alongside Whole Room Audio for parties.
Three microphones for Siri are present, down from four in the previous version. The reduction's impact on user experience remains unclear.
The mini boasts two-tone pink, green, and blue colors, alongside white and midnight, with a 3% weight reduction compared to its predecessor. Initially $99, the price increased to $129 due to a June hike; now, it retails at $149.
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