Apple today announced a new HomePod mini, marketed as the HomePod mini 2, featuring an S10 chip for advanced computational audio, a new Sound Glow top that animates with music, and Siri AI coming in a future software update. The device is priced at $149, will launch on October 30, and is available for pre-order now.
HomePod mini 2 audio and processing
The HomePod mini 2 includes an S10 chip that Apple says enables advanced computational audio, optimizing dynamic range, loudness and overall acoustic performance in real time. Four HomePod mini units can be paired together with the latest Apple TV 4K to create a four-speaker surround sound setup; Apple says the speakers and the Apple TV can recognize their position in the room and calibrate levels to the space. The HomePod mini also functions as a speaker for the Mac.
Sound Glow top
A new Sound Glow feature turns the top of the HomePod mini into a visual canvas that glows and animates in sync with music, reacting to bass and treble. The glow uses colors generated from the song’s album artwork so the visual appearance varies with each track.
Siri AI and personalization
Siri AI will arrive in a future software update and will require the HomePod mini to be paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad. Apple says Siri AI on the HomePod mini will be able to recognize up to six users by voice and connect to their device for personalized information, including Messages.
Smart home and safety features
As with the prior HomePod mini, the new model can serve as a home hub and control smart home devices. It supports Sound Recognition and can listen for smoke or carbon monoxide alarms, sending an alert if one is detected.
The HomePod mini 2 will be offered in pink, green, blue, white and midnight. It launches on October 30, is priced at $149, and is available to pre-order now.
