Apple Announced the HomePod Mini Four Years Ago Today

[MacRumors]

Apple announced the HomePod mini smart speaker four years ago today at its "Hi, Speed" special event.

The low-cost smart speaker was announced alongside the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max in October 2020. The HomePod mini is Apple's first compact smart speaker, offering high-quality audio, Siri voice control, and smart home integration via HomeKit.

Priced at $99, it stands in contrast to the full-size HomePod, which sells for $299 and is focused on delivering bigger, better sound thanks to more advanced audio hardware such as multiple tweeters and woofers. While both models share Siri integration and smart home capabilities, the HomePod mini is considerably smaller, powered by the Apple S5 chip, lacks spatial awareness, and comes in a wider range of color options.

• HomePod Mini vs. HomePod Buyer's Guide

In October 2021, Apple introduced three new colors—Blue, Yellow, and Orange—to its lineup, adding vibrancy to the previously monochrome options of Space Gray and White. audioOS 14.3, released shortly after its launch, added support for 18W power adapters. With audioOS 16.3, Apple activated previously undisclosed temperature and humidity sensors within the HomePod mini. Although these sensors had been identified by teardowns shortly after launch, Apple waited to enable them alongside the release of the second-generation full-sized HomePod. On July 15, 2024, Apple refreshed the HomePod mini yet again by discontinuing the Space Gray variant and replacing it with a Midnight color option to match the full-size HomePod.

Despite its age, the HomePod mini remains on sale with the same hardware it debuted with four years ago. However, Apple is believed to be working on a second-generation version that could debut in the near future.

Article Link: Apple Announced the HomePod Mini Four Years Ago Today

 

[BelgianChoklit]

A wonderful product. The only thing I'd like to have different is a removable power cable. There's one room in which I can't put one because the power cord is too short.

 

[abatabia]

Have a bunch and love them, when the HomePod OS cooperates. However, and as has often been said, how I wish they could be paired with the large HomePods for a true surround system.

Would be nice if the next gen gets atmos.

 

[godorowski]

A wonderful product. The only thing I'd like to have different is a removable power cable. There's one room in which I can't put one because the power cord is too short.

Have you ever heard of an extension cord?

 

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

I like my Homepod mini. Got it on the kitchen to listen to music when cooking and/or doing the dishwasher.

Actually I was so happy with it that I replaced my home stereo (that had Airplay integraded) with a pair of Homepods 2, when they came out, that I use for music and TV.

I'm strongly considering getting another Homepod mini 1 to pair with the one on the kitchen, before they release a new version.

 

[Powerbooky]

I've got eight of them, one or two in most rooms of the house. Basically bought all the colours available. Work great and sound very good for their size. The intercom function is nice, it eliminates shouting up the stairs. And they do create a very wide HomeKit Thread coverage in and outside the house - way further than I expected with lots neighbouring wifi and other RF crap. The only thing I don't like with the current HomePod mini is the limited wifi - its single channel wifi 4 (802.11n). I wished it had 802.11ax instead.
But over all, these HomePod mini's are great - the kids don't need a big stereo in their rooms like we had back in the day.

@BelgianChoklit You can use most USB-C extension cords for this. You can get these in most (online) stores, even with matching colours. And in some situations you could also use a large capacity powerbank instead.

 

[tpannier]

I have a pair of them, but my experience has been plagued by connection issues, drop-outs and unreliability in general. Wished these came with an ethernet port.

 

[DeanCorp]

Probably my worst purchase. I’ve tried resetting it and it’s up to date, from day one it’s been unreliable. I’d have phone calls and the call will completely drop out. Never happens if not on the HomePod Mini.

Since it’s reliant on Siri it is a pointless “smart” device. “Hey Siri can you say Dean” it can’t even do that. I’m hoping with the AI intelligence Siri will improve. Majority of the time it will respond with “I found this on the web for you.” Again pointless as I can use my iPhone instead to search the web.

 

[KrisLord]

Picked up 2 yesterday used for £45 each.

That’s the study covered and a stereo pair for the living room.

They’re great little speakers.

 

[aries81]

Love mine.

 

[robvalentine]

I got one 2 weeks ago, didn't realise you couldn't pair with a windows pc (work laptop) via BT (my bad), and spotify is glitchy. My google nest mini works so much better (even with iOS - switched back from Android recently), and is half the price. it is mostly just a home hub now so my front door light can be switched on by siri (if it ever works).

 

[Apple Mac Daz]

Prefer Alexa devices much more useful

 

[steve09090]

Best value product Apple makes. I love the temperature & Humidity sensors in Homekit for each room. When you consider the Eve Room (I have 2) is almost the same price and you have to keep it charged. This is almost a no brainer.

 

[MrRom92]

Who is speaking?

 

[Digital Dude]

I’ve got nine of the original HomePods, and when they work, they’re fantastic. Unfortunately, iOS is pretty hit or miss when it comes to getting them to work consistently. Ironically, I get much better query responses, and reliability with my three Google hubs/displays. 🤷‍♂️

 

[Darren.h]

I wish Apple would develop a home security system that integrates with HomePod.

Use iCloud for the video footage with cameras.

There are other DIY home security systems. But Apple can integrate the system with ALL Apple products.

Seems dumb they have not come out with one by now.

 

[PsykX]

I want to buy one with a portable battery so bad, but I'm not buying a 4 years old device. Especially if it has Apple Stupidity instead of Apple Intelligence.

 

[Lioness~]

I have 2 paired mini's with 2 bigger Homepods, the sound is fairly good, but I just hate everything where Siri can't easily be turned off....and stay off.
If I just touch these Siri pops up at times, despite been turned off.
I like good speakers a lot more without having Apple's *brat* annoying me.

So no more of these for me, there are other good various types of speakers on the market witout a *dumb assistent*.

 

[dominiongamma]

I’ve got nine of the original HomePods, and when they work, they’re fantastic. Unfortunately, iOS is pretty hit or miss when it comes to getting them to work consistently. Ironically, I get much better query responses, and reliability with my three Google hubs/displays. 🤷‍♂️

Why I gave up on HomeKit because Apple is not serious when it comes to home automation and so limiting too

 

[tubular]

My sister has a pretty severe neurological condition affecting motor control. With a HomePod mini and smart lamps she doesn’t have to fumble for light switches at night.

 

[FattiesGoneWild]

Prefer Alexa devices much more useful

Ew, gross! 👎

 

[TVreporter]

Have two - they’re decent when connections are solid and I rely on them for lights in HomeKit.

 

[jayducharme]

I want to buy one with a portable battery so bad

I can understand why they want it constantly plugged in, since it’s supposed to be always active. But maybe they should make a Qi base for it. That way it could stay charged yet easily moved temporarily when needed.

 

[brofkand]

Apple users would be wise to avoid products that Apple is not committed to, like the HomePod series.

 

[Koni17]

I like mine but Siri is still so dumb, an updated version with Apple Intelligence and a Siri that actually works is much needed.