HomePod mini 2 review - Six years later, not enough reasons to upgrade yet

The new HomePod mini 2, released six years after the original, offers slightly improved sound quality and expanded connectivity features. However, these enhancements do not provide a strong enough reason for existing owners to upgrade. The speaker supports new Mac audio capabilities, four-speaker surround sound for Apple TV 4K, and improved wireless hardware.

It was launched on October 30, 2026, without Siri AI, one of its most anticipated features. Until this update is delivered, the newer model is better suited for first-time buyers and those expanding their setups rather than replacing a perfectly good original speaker. While the spec upgrades look impressive, their overall impact on the listening experience is limited.

The HomePod mini 2 delivers clear, balanced sound throughout testing, with excellent room coverage and volume. However, a second round of testing with lossless music revealed only a modest improvement in instrument separation. The original HomePod mini still sounds impressive for its size, and the newer model does not significantly surpass it.

It maintains consistent sound quality across various locations, and the speaker configuration remains largely the same. The improved processor in the HomePod mini 2 offers more potential benefits beyond audio processing, such as faster Siri response times and faster Handoff audio transfers. However, there is a limitation for those looking to mix old and new HomePods, as Apple requires two speakers of the same model for stereo pairing.

Existing owners may need to find another first-generation model or purchase two newer speakers to achieve stereo sound. Despite these limitations, Apple has introduced Sound Glow, an illuminated touch surface that adds a colorful visual element to the speaker during music playback. Existing HomePods can also enjoy this feature through software update 27.2.

While the updated speaker design is visually appealing, its impact on the listening experience is minimal. Siri AI is potentially the most significant upgrade for the HomePod mini 2, with the potential for more natural conversations, broader knowledge, and better music discovery. However, this feature is not yet available on the speaker as of November 4, 2026, and its release will depend on the compatibility of an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad.

For now, HomePod mini 2 users are still working with the existing assistant. The expanded capabilities of Siri AI could make the speaker more appealing, particularly for households that heavily rely on voice commands. Until Apple releases the Siri AI update, the HomePod mini 2 offers mostly incremental improvements over its predecessor, making it a more compelling choice for first-time buyers and those expanding their audio setups rather than replacing a functional original speaker.