Apple's $99 HomePod mini is over 2,000 days old and overdue for an update. The current model, which debuted in October 2020, uses the aging S5 Apple Watch chip and hasn't seen a meaningful refresh since 2021. Apple is reportedly working on a HomePod mini 2, but launch rumors have been delayed due to Siri development issues.

Sources indicate the new speaker will retain its current design but may offer new color options, including a tested red variant. The chip upgrade to the S9 or later will provide a significant performance boost for computational audio and smart home features. The device is expected to include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and potentially Apple's N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support.

The HomePod mini 2's release is now tied to Apple's revamped Siri experience, which was delayed from a spring launch to September 2027 alongside iOS 27. This updated Siri, powered by Apple Intelligence, will serve as the backbone for several new home-focused devices. The full-sized HomePod, last updated in January 2023, may also receive the same feature set as the mini when it launches.