Apple has announced the HomePod mini 2, the compact smart speaker's first major hardware update in six years. The new model keeps 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 the original's last Apple price of $129. The original launched for $99 in 2020, and Apple raised its price in June 2026. With many core features carried over, the question for buyers is whether the new model is worth upgrading to, or whether a discounted original makes more sense.
Both generations share 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. Dimensions remain identical at 3.3 inches tall and 3.9 inches wide, and both include a 20W power adapter.
The main differences include the S10 chip, Wi-Fi 6E in place of Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 6 in place of Bluetooth 5.0, and Mac default speaker support for Macs with Wi-Fi 6E or later. The new model also weighs slightly less at 0.74 pound, uses 100% fiber-based packaging, and comes in pink and green alongside white, midnight, and blue. For most existing owners, the original still handles voice commands, music, timers, Intercom, and smart home automations, so replacing a working unit is hard to justify. The clearest upgrade case is for users who want HomePod audio for their Mac.
Source: MacRumors · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing