Apple is reportedly preparing to launch the HomePod mini 2, bringing a major hardware upgrade to its compact smart speaker. The next-generation model is expected to feature a faster chip, support for Apple's upcoming Siri AI features, improved wireless connectivity, and several new color options.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the new HomePod mini could arrive alongside an updated Apple TV 4K as Apple expands its smart home ecosystem with new hardware and software capabilities.

HomePod mini 2 Could Feature the S10 Chip

One of the biggest upgrades could be the move from the current HomePod mini's S5 chip to the S10 chip.

Although the S10 is not Apple's latest silicon, the upgrade would represent a substantial generational leap over the processor used in the original HomePod mini.

More importantly, the new chip could enable Apple Intelligence-powered Siri features on the HomePod mini 2. If the reports prove accurate, it would mark a major step forward for Apple's smart home lineup, allowing users to interact with Siri through more advanced AI capabilities.

The updated Apple TV 4K and Apple's rumored HomeView smart home hub are also expected to support Siri AI, potentially bringing a more consistent voice-assistant experience across the home.

HomePod mini 2 Could Work More Closely With HomeView

Apple's next HomePod mini is also expected to integrate more closely with its upcoming HomeView smart home hub.

The speaker could help extend HomeView's functionality throughout the house, allowing users to control smart home devices and play music through voice commands. Audio playback and voice-control experiences could work together across compatible devices.

If Apple delivers on these capabilities, the HomePod mini 2 could become more than a standalone smart speaker. It could also serve as an important part of a connected home system built around Apple's smart home hub.

New Colors Expected for HomePod mini 2

Apple is reportedly preparing several new colors for the next-generation HomePod mini.

Expected options include:

  ●Pink

  ●Green

  ●Blue

  ●Midnight

  ●White

The additional colors would give customers more choices when matching the speaker to their home interiors, while retaining the familiar Midnight and White finishes.

N1 Chip Could Bring Wi-Fi 7 and Matter Improvements

Beyond the processor upgrade, the HomePod mini 2 is rumored to feature Apple's N1 networking chip.

The new chip could bring several connectivity improvements, including:

Wi-Fi 7 support: A significant upgrade over the Wi-Fi 4 connectivity offered by the current HomePod mini.

Thread connectivity: Support for Thread-based smart home devices.

Matter compatibility: Improved integration with compatible smart home products across supported platforms.

These upgrades could make the HomePod mini 2 a more capable component of a modern smart home, particularly for users with multiple connected devices.

However, the final wireless specifications and supported features have not yet been officially confirmed by Apple.

HomePod mini 2 Price: Will It Cost More?

Apple's current HomePod mini price increased from $99 to $129 in June amid broader price adjustments affecting its hardware lineup.

It remains unclear whether the second-generation model will retain the $129 price or introduce another increase. A new processor and upgraded wireless capabilities could affect manufacturing costs, but there is no confirmed pricing information for the upcoming speaker.

For now, $129 is a useful reference point rather than a confirmed price for the HomePod mini 2.

HomePod mini 2 Release Date

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the HomePod mini 2 is expected to arrive in stores on October 30, alongside the updated Apple TV 4K.

Apple's HomeView smart home hub is reportedly scheduled to arrive later, potentially in mid-November.

If these dates hold, the HomePod mini 2 could be one of the first products in Apple's next smart home hardware lineup to reach customers.

What to Expect From HomePod mini 2

The HomePod mini 2 could deliver one of the most significant upgrades to Apple's compact smart speaker since its original release. The rumored S10 chip, Siri AI capabilities, Wi-Fi 7 support, and expanded smart home integration would address several limitations of the current model.

Apple has not officially confirmed the specifications, pricing, or release date. More details should become available as the expected launch approaches.

Source: 9to5mac