CNET has corrected an earlier report and now says only the HomePod mini 2 will support Siri AI. The original article had claimed that the first-generation HomePod mini would also receive Siri AI compatibility in a software update later this year, according to CNET's Jeff Carlson.
The original claim pointed to a faster S10 processor in the HomePod mini 2 as a key factor in handling Siri AI requests, while the current S5-powered model was said to gain support alongside updates to iOS 27.2. MacRumors noted that Apple's fine print did not mention this detail for the first-generation HomePod mini, though it did confirm that Siri AI support will extend back to the second-generation Apple TV 4K from 2021. MacRumors said it had contacted Apple for comment.
Apple said setting up Siri AI on the HomePod mini 2 requires a paired iPhone or iPad with Apple Intelligence support. Requests involving a user's personal context also need such a device. Once Siri AI is enabled on the HomePod mini, however, users without an Apple Intelligence-enabled device can still access its broad world knowledge, more natural conversations, and improved music discovery.
The HomePod mini 2 launches on Friday, October 30, with pre-orders already underway. It replaces the previous model's S5 chip with the S10.
Source: MacRumors · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing