Apple unveiled the HomePod mini 2, the new version of the compact smart speaker, as part of its home product launches this Tuesday, October 13th. While maintaining the spherical shape of the 2020 model, this new device incorporates the S10 chip and significant updates to connectivity features.
Among the innovations presented are Sound Glow and the ability to integrate the speaker with external audio systems. However, the new Siri AI will still be available in a later update.
Keeping the original design, the line of speakers comes in five shades: pink, green, blue, white, and midnight. Pre-sales have already started in the United States for the price of US$ 149, which is equivalent to approximately R$ 747 in direct conversion. Apple has not yet announced the price or arrival date of this product in Brazil.
The most noticeable visual change lies in the illuminated top surface. With the Sound Glow feature, the lights synchronize with the colors of the album art being played, in addition to reacting to ambient sounds provided by Apple, such as forest, rain, or ocean sounds.
Internally, Apple maintained the line's standard by using a smartwatch processor, this time the Apple S10 chip, which is used in the 2024 Apple Watch Series 10. This allows the device to offer Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6, and support for Thread and Matter standards, essential for communication and connection in smart home ecosystems.
Although there has been no major overhaul in the audio components, the company introduced functionalities that increase the speaker's utility. According to Apple, it is possible to combine two HomePod mini 2 units with two second-generation HomePod units to enhance the sound experience.
When implemented, Siri AI should enable natural language conversations, interpreting commands based on the user's personal context and searching for data in apps and messages. For example, the user can request the playback of a song suggested by a contact during a conversation or create a reminder linked to a specific appointment.
Access to this personal context will be conditional on an iPhone compatible with Apple Intelligence, specifically starting from the iPhone 15 Pro. Furthermore, voice identification will allow differentiation between residents and link requests to each person's individual information.
The first HomePod mini was launched in October 2020. Since then, Apple has preserved the hardware, although it has expanded the range of colors and released software updates, such as the addition of the midnight color in 2024.
Despite recent speculation about a possible launch of a smaller model, the company opted not to present a new edition of the traditional HomePod, which received a launch in 2023.
This launch integrates a new strategy by Apple in the smart home sector, which also includes the new Apple TV 4K, HomeView—a screen device intended to centralize home controls and Siri AI features—and other items from the Home Collection line, developed in partnership with LG.