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HomePod mini 2 is Apple’s next small smart speaker, and it arrives in stores on Friday, October 30. Apple announced it on October 13 at $149, with pre-orders open in the U.S. and more than 23 other countries and regions, Apple said. The speaker runs on the new S10 chip and adds a glowing top surface.
What’s New in HomePod Mini 2
What does HomePod mini 2 look like?
It comes in five colors: pink, green, blue, white, and midnight. Apple calls the top surface Sound Glow, which lights up and pulses with music in colors drawn from the album artwork. It can also glow with soundscapes such as rain.
How does HomePod mini 2 sound?
Apple promises 360-degree sound from a single speaker, a stereo pair, or a multiroom setup. The speaker analyzes music in real time to adjust dynamic range, loudness, and acoustics. It can also join an Apple TV 4K surround setup with matching front and rear speakers, and it can serve as the default speaker for compatible Macs with Wi-Fi 6E or later.
What does Siri AI add to HomePod mini 2?
Siri AI is coming in a future software update. Apple says it uses the latest Apple Foundation Models for more conversational answers and broader knowledge from the web. It recognizes up to six household members by voice. Personal context features need a paired Apple Intelligence iPhone or iPad. Launch languages and countries match the Apple TV 4K list, and Siri AI is not initially available in the EU.
What can HomePod mini 2 do for the smart home?
Voice commands cover locks, garage doors, blinds, thermostats, and lights, along with Home app scenes. Sound Recognition listens for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and sends alerts to an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, but it needs the updated Home architecture. Face Recognition works with compatible HomeKit Secure Video doorbells and cameras. The speaker needs HomePod software 27.2.
Editor’s Take
HomePod mini 2 is a small upgrade with a clear purpose. It makes the speaker a better fit for a home built around Siri AI and smart devices. Siri AI will arrive later, so early buyers are paying for features that are not live yet. At $149, the price is modest. For more on Apple’s fall hardware, see our look at the $1,999 iPhone Duo.
