Apple has introduced the HomePod mini 2 with Siri AI positioned as a major feature, but buyers expecting it on day one will be disappointed. The HomePod mini 2 ships October 30, yet Apple's website makes clear that Siri AI will not be available at launch.
The fine print in the "Meet Siri AI" section for the HomePod mini 2 says Siri will draw on broad world knowledge and personal context once set up with an iPhone or iPad, enabling more natural conversations, richer answers and hands-free control of music, schedules and podcasts. A footnote, however, states that this capability is "coming in a future software update" and that usage limits may apply. Apple's press release repeats the same caveat near the bottom.
The timing stands out. The new HomePod mini 2 arrives two weeks ahead of the HomePod, new Apple TV 4K, and both of those ship November 13 with Siri AI at launch. That suggests the mini 2 could gain support by mid-November, but it is unclear why Apple did not launch all three products on the same day with the feature included.
For now, customers who buy the HomePod mini 2 for launch day delivery should expect to wait for a software update before using Siri AI.
Source: 9to5Mac · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing