Apple unveiled HomePod mini 2 yesterday (pre-order here), exactly six years after the first HomePod mini debuted. Here’s everything new in HomePod mini 2 compared to the original model. more…

The new HomePod mini 2 can be used as a default speaker on all Mac models with Wi-Fi 6E or later, according to Apple. You can use a single HomePod, or a pair for stereo sound. The previous-generation HomePod mini can also be used as a Mac's speaker via AirPlay, but it cannot be set as the default audio output. AirPlay can also introduce audio latency.Related Roundup: HomePod miniTag: HomePod Mini 2Buyer's Guide: HomePod Mini (Buy Now)Related Forum: HomePod, HomeView, CarPlay – Home & Auto Tech This article, "HomePod Mini 2 Works as Default Speaker With Select Macs" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

An addendum to our report about the HomePod mini 2 working as a default speaker on all Mac models with Wi-Fi 6E and later: Apple says this ability extends to the full-sized HomePod 2. Apple's fine print for HomePods as default Mac speakers says "compatible with HomePod mini 2 and HomePod (2nd generation) with support on all Mac desktops and laptops with Wi-Fi 6E or later."Related Roundup: HomePodBuyer's Guide: HomePod (Caution) This article, "Apple Says HomePod 2 Also Works as Default Speaker With Select Macs" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Siri AI support on the new HomePod mini 2 will be "available later" as part of a "future software update," according to Apple. In other words, do not expect Siri AI to be available on the speaker when it launches on Friday, October 30. Siri AI on the HomePod mini 2 will require an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad for requests involving personal context.Related Roundup: HomePod miniTags: HomePod Mini 2, SiriBuyer's Guide: HomePod Mini (Buy Now)Related Forum: HomePod, HomeView, CarPlay – Home & Auto Tech This article, "Apple Says HomePod Mini 2 Won't Support Siri AI Right Away" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple today introduced the HomePod mini 2, but the full-sized HomePod was not updated. Nevertheless, the alt text for Apple's full-sized HomePod image shown at the bottom of the HomePod order page now mentions a "multi-colored Siri AI glow on top," suggesting that the larger HomePod might eventually gain support for Siri AI. Of course, it is also possible that Apple simply made an error. The new HomePod mini 2 will feature Siri AI, but not right away, with support set to arrive in a "future software update." Apple did not provide a timeframe for the update. Siri AI on the HomePod mini 2 will require a paired iPhone or iPad model that supports Apple Intelligence for requests that involve a user's personal context. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously reported that Apple planned to update the full-sized HomePod "eventually." Siri AI support might end up being limited to a new model of the speaker, but Apple's plans are unknown at this time.Related Roundup: HomePodTags: Siri, Siri AIBuyer's Guide: HomePod (Caution) This article, "Will the Full-Sized HomePod Get Siri AI? Apple's Website Offers a Clue" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Siri AI is a tentpole addition to HomePod mini 2, but a CNET report today originally claimed Siri AI was coming to older HomePod mini models too. However, the story has since been updated with a correction and 9to5Mac received a statement confirming Siri AI will be exclusive to HomePod mini 2. more…

Siri AI will apparently not be limited to the new HomePod mini 2, with support also coming to the first-generation HomePod mini in a software update later this year, according to a report today from CNET's Jeff Carlson. "The HomePod Mini 2 also gets a faster S10 processor, which should help with processing Siri AI requests," he said. "However, the current S5-powered HomePod Mini will also get Siri AI compatibility later this year, along with updates to iOS 27.2." Fine print on Apple's website does not mention this detail, at least as far as we have seen, so we have reached out to the company for comment. For the Apple TV 4K, Apple's fine print did mention that Siri AI support will extend back to the second-generation Apple TV 4K from 2021, but we have not found any explicit fine print mention about Siri AI coming to the HomePod mini (1st generation). Apple said setting up Siri AI on the HomePod mini 2 will require a paired iPhone or iPad model with Apple Intelligence support. A paired device iPhone or iPad with Apple Intelligence support is also required for any requests involving a user's personal context, according to Apple. However, once Siri AI is enabled on the HomePod mini, the company said that even users without an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad can access Siri AI's broad world knowledge, richer and more natural conversations, and improved music discovery. HomePod mini 2 launches on Friday, October 30, with pre-orders underway.Related Roundup: HomePod mini 2Tags: CNET, Siri, Siri AIBuyer's Guide: HomePod Mini (Buy Now)Related Forum: HomePod, HomeView, CarPlay – Home & Auto Tech This article, "HomePod Mini 1 Will Also Support Siri AI Later This Year, Says CNET" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apple yesterday announced the HomePod mini 2, introducing the compact smart speaker's first major hardware update in six years. The new model retains the original's spherical design, but adds an S10 chip, faster wireless connectivity, Sound Glow lighting, new Mac and home theater capabilities, and support for Siri AI in a future software update. The HomePod mini 2 costs $149 in the United States, $20 more than its predecessor's last Apple price of $129. While the original launched for $99 in 2020, Apple raised its price in June 2026. With many core features carried over, is the new model worth upgrading to, and should you consider a discounted original instead? Both generations feature a full-range driver, two passive radiators, and an acoustic waveguide for 360-degree sound. They also share temperature and humidity sensors, Thread networking, Ultra Wideband proximity features, AirPlay multiroom audio, stereo pairing, Intercom, smart home control, and Sound Recognition. Their dimensions remain identical at 3.3 inches tall and 3.9 inches wide, and both include a 20W power adapter. Here are the differences between the original HomePod mini and ‌HomePod mini 2‌: ‌HomePod‌ mini (2020) ‌HomePod mini 2‌ (2026) Backlit touch surface with status and ‌Siri‌ lighting Backlit touch surface with Sound Glow animations that respond to music, album artwork, and soundscapes S5 chip (from 2019's Apple Watch Series 5, made with TSMC's N7 7nm process, based on Apple's A12 Bionic chip from iPhone XS) S10 chip (from 2024's Apple Watch Series 10, made with TSMC's N4 4nm process, based on Apple's A16 Bionic chip from iPhone 14 Pro) Computational audio Enhanced computational audio Four-microphone design Three-microphone design ‌Siri‌ ‌Siri‌ AI support Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) Bluetooth 5.0 Bluetooth 6 Mac audio playback via ‌AirPlay‌ Can serve as the default speaker for Macs with Wi-Fi 6E or later, individually or in a stereo pair Four-speaker surround sound with Apple TV 4K (4th generation), including automatic calibration of audio timing and levels Weighs 0.76 pound (345 grams) Weighs 0.74 pound (335 grams) White, midnight, blue, yellow, and orange; previously available in space gray White, midnight, blue, pink, and green 89% fiber-based packaging 100% fiber-based packaging Introduced in October 2020 Introduced in October 2026 Discontinued (initially priced at $99, later raised to $129) $149 Is It Worth Upgrading From HomePod Mini to HomePod Mini 2? For most existing ‌HomePod‌ mini owners, there is no general-purpose reason to replace a working original ‌HomePod‌ mini immediately. The original retains the main features needed for voice commands, music playback, timers, Intercom, and smart home automations. Sound Glow and the new finishes may appeal to enthusiasts, but they are very small reasons to replace speakers throughout a home. For buyers primarily interested in sound quality, Apple's specifications provide limited grounds for judging the size of the improvement. The basic driver arrangement remains the same, and the original already used computational audio to tune playback in real time. Apple has not quantified the acoustic gains from the S10 chip. The clearest upgrade case is using the ‌HomePod mini 2‌ as a default Mac speaker. If your Mac supports Wi-Fi 6E or later and you want ‌HomePod‌ speakers for games, calls, and everyday computer audio, the new model offers a capability the original's ‌AirPlay‌ connection does not provide. The four-speaker surround sound system is another notable reason to choose the newer generation. It requires the fourth-generation ‌Apple TV‌ 4K and matching front and rear speaker pairs running the latest software. You can use four ‌HomePod mini 2‌ speakers, or combine a pair with a pair of full-sized second-generation HomePods. Original ‌HomePod‌ minis are excluded, and the required ‌Apple TV‌ 4K launches on November 13. ‌Siri‌ AI is perhaps the most consequential improvement, offering more natural conversations, broader general knowledge, improved music discovery, and the ability to act on personal context across supported apps. However, it will not be available at launch, and Apple has not yet announced a release date for the feature. Apple's requirements specify that the owner of the home in the Home app must have an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad with ‌Siri‌ AI enabled. Personal context requests require the individual user's compatible paired device, although other household members can use conversational and general knowledge features once ‌Siri‌ AI is enabled. Initial availability is planned in English in the United States, Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Should You Buy HomePod Mini or HomePod Mini 2? The ‌HomePod mini 2‌ should be the default choice for most new buyers when the price difference is small. If remaining original stock costs $129, paying another $20 provides the new Mac and surround sound capabilities, faster connectivity, Sound Glow, and eligibility for the forthcoming ‌Siri‌ AI update. A substantially discounted original ‌HomePod‌ mini remains worth considering for straightforward music playback or adding smart home control to another room. Its value is strongest when you will use the shared features and have little interest in the new features. Buying another original also makes sense if you already own one and want to create a stereo pair. Apple requires matching models for stereo pairing, so an original ‌HomePod‌ mini and a ‌HomePod mini 2‌ cannot form a stereo pair. ‌HomePod mini 2‌ pre-orders are now open, with availability beginning October 30.Related Roundup: HomePod mini 2Buyer's Guide: HomePod Mini (Buy Now)Related Forum: HomePod, HomeView, CarPlay – Home & Auto Tech This article, "HomePod Mini vs. HomePod Mini 2 Buyer's Guide: All Differences Compared" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today reported that new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini models will be unveiled on Tuesday, October 13 and launch on Friday, October 30. In a follow-up video, Gurman said he was told that both devices should be available to pre-order starting this week.Related Roundups: Apple TV, HomePod miniTag: HomePod Mini 2Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy), HomePod Mini (Don't Buy)Related Forums: Apple TV and Home Theater, HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology This article, "New Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini 2: Here's When Pre-Orders Begin" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

You may have heard otherwise, but we have confirmed that the first generation HomePod mini is not getting Siri AI. Apple says that HomePod mini 2 and some older Apple TV 4K models will get Siri AI, but that first generation HomePod with the S5 chip will not.

Apple has officially announced the new HomePod mini 2 smart speaker. The new product was announced by Apple today alongside the new HomeView smart display and fourth-gen Apple TV 4K. more…

We saw the HomePod Mini 2 in action.

Apple this week introduced the HomePod mini 2, and we have rounded up all of the new features and changes that we have uncovered so far below. HomePod mini 2 can be pre-ordered now and launches Friday, October 30, but Siri AI support will not be available until a future software update. Here is what is new with the HomePod mini 2: * Siri AI support is coming in a future software update, with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad required for requests involving your personal context. * S10 chip, up from the S5 chip for the previous model. It is unclear if this chip upgrade enables computational audio improvements. * Wi-Fi 6E support, up from Wi-Fi 4 for the previous model. * Bluetooth 6 support, up from Bluetooth 5 for the previous model. * Default audio output support on Macs with Wi-Fi 6E and later. * Sound Glow: the top area glows and pulses in sync with the music playing. * Four-speaker surround sound with the new Apple TV 4K: connect four HomePod mini 2 speakers in front and rear pairs. * Three microphones for Siri, down from four in the previous model. * Two all-new color options: green and pink. * While it is the most minor of differences, the HomePod mini 2's listed weight is 3% lower than the previous model. * A price increase. In the U.S., the HomePod mini 2 is priced at $149. The previous model was initially $99 and later $129. Related Roundup: HomePod mini 2Buyer's Guide: HomePod Mini (Buy Now)Related Forum: HomePod, HomeView, CarPlay – Home & Auto Tech This article, "HomePod Mini 2: All the New Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

The new $149 HomePod mini with Siri AI and a 'SoundGlow' visual feature will be available starting October 30.

The HomePod mini 2 supports next-gen Siri AI features.

Today Apple introduced HomePod mini 2 with Siri AI as a major tentpole feature. HomePod mini 2 ships on October 30, but checking the fine print on Apple’s website, it seems Siri AI won’t be available on launch day. more…

The HomePod mini 2 supports next-gen Siri AI features.

Apple today announced a new HomePod mini equipped with Siri AI, new colors, and improved audio experiences. The new ‌HomePod mini‌ has an S10 chip that supports advanced computational audio, and Apple says it optimizes dynamic range, loudness, and acoustic performance in real-time. A Sound Glow feature turns the ‌HomePod mini‌'s top into a "visual canvas" that glows and animates in sync with music, reacting to bass and treble. It uses colors generated from the song's album artwork for a unique experience for each song. Four HomePod minis can be paired together to create a four-speaker surround sound with the latest Apple TV 4K, which Apple also announced today. The speakers and the ‌Apple TV‌ are able to recognize their position in the room and levels are calibrated to the space. The ‌HomePod mini‌ also works as a speaker for the Mac. ‌Siri‌ AI will be available in a future software update, and will work when the ‌HomePod mini‌ is paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad. It will be able to recognize up to six users by voice and connect to their device for personalized information like Messages. As with the prior version of the ‌HomePod mini‌, the new model is able to 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 comes in pink, green, blue, white, and midnight and will launch on October 30. It's priced at $149.Related Roundup: HomePod miniTags: HomePod Mini 2, SiriBuyer's Guide: HomePod Mini (Don't Buy)Related Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology This article, "Apple Announces $149 HomePod Mini 2 With Siri AI, 'Sound Glow', and Four-Speaker Surround Sound" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

If your Mac has Wi-Fi 6E and you've got one of the most recent HomePod or HomePod mini models, everything, including notification sounds, can be routed through the smart speakers. Here's what you need.

Apple has unveiled its first-ever update to the HomePod mini, concentrating on how it can be part of a smart home setup alongside devices like the Apple TV 4K.