Gurman: Apple Not Working on New HomePod Mini

[MacRumors]

Apple is likely not working on a new version of the HomePod mini smart speaker, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

In the latest edition of his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman explained that he believes Apple is not "actively working" on a successor to the HomePod mini:

After the debut of a new full-sized HomePod, many users started asking about an update to the mini model. But at this point, I don't believe that Apple is actively working on such as product. The latest HomePod doesn't include any major new functions that aren't already in the $99 mini, so there isn't an obvious reason to update the model. Sure, it would be nice to get more colors, a cheaper price, and better sound and microphones, but the real improvements probably need to be made on the back end — with Siri and app integration.

The HomePod mini was announced in October 2020 at Apple's iPhone 12 event. Less than half a year later, Apple discontinued the original HomePod, leaving the HomePod mini as the company's only smart speaker until this week when Apple relaunched the full-size HomePod form factor.

The newly reintroduced HomePod offers a large number of features that were previously exclusive to the HomePod mini, including an Apple Watch S-series chip, a U1 ultra wideband chip, Thread support, a temperature and humidity sensor, and a larger backlit touch surface that illuminates from edge to edge.

In August 2022, Gurman said that Apple was considering launching an updated version of the HomePod mini in the future, but he did not provide a specific timeframe or details about potential new features. He said the update was unlikely to be "super-impressive," suggesting any changes to the HomePod's smaller sibling would be minor, but those plans now seem to have been shelved.

Article Link: Gurman: Apple Not Working on New HomePod Mini

 

[dantracht]

Strange strategy. On one hand what else does it need besides more stable HomeKit software? On the other hand, will it be left to whither on the vine like the iPod touch? Between this news and the downright lazy “update” to its big brother, I feel like it may be the second option

 

[senttoschool]

I would like an OG Homepod that can function as a speaker and Apple TV. Could careless about having a display/facetime feature.

 

[MacFan23]

Strange strategy. On one hand what else does it need besides more stable HomeKit software? On the other hand, will it be left to whither on the vine like the iPod touch? Between this news and the downright lazy “update” to its big brother, I feel like it may be the second option

I think like you said, it does what it needs to do.

I'm not one of those people who's incredibly down on Siri but I think all they really need to do is have a smarted voice assistant.

That and double as a speaker or pair of speakers for a Mac in a home office environment.

 

[jayryco]

My biggest issue with my stereo HomePod Mini's is that they consistently suffer from occasional audio stutters and they also suffer from a delay from pushing play to the audio actually starting. I have a Wifi 6e router and the problems all seem to be WIFI issue's which is all the more I'm disappointed that the new models don't have Wifi 6e as they will likely have the same problems too.

 

[BorisDG]

The price increase of it was an obvious sign of that. 😁

 

[The Game 161]

clear the next step will be a homepod with a display

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Apple seriously needs to consider lowering the price of the HomePod Mini to $49.

 

[NightFlight]

Use some of that "saved" money on making Siri not worthless.

 

[Dwalls90]

Obviously as Apple enthusiasts we get excited about product updates, but I think we all need to realize that not every product needs to or should be upgraded ever year "just because". I think for Apple to take their home devices (Apple TV, HomePod, HomeKit, Home app, etc.) to the next level, it really needs to be a software push.

 

[dantracht]

Apple seriously needs to consider lowering the price of the HomePod Mini to $49.

And the HomePod down to $199.

 

[jaceapoc]

yeah, cause it's trash

 

[tomtad]

Why would they be? It’s the perfect device and any issues are with software

 

[darthbane2k]

Only thing I think they were looking to improve in the Mini was the sound quality. It's absolutely atrocious for audio. By audio I mean music. Its ok for radio and podcasts and surprisingly ok for TV sound within a small room.

 

[zedsdead]

It needs to be a little bigger so it has the power brink inside....the external current one is ridiculously oversized. (recommend attaching it to an Anker 20 watt if you have).

 

[EvilEvil]

Apple really needs to make these wireless with MagSafe charging.

 

[Alex Cai]

My biggest issue with my stereo HomePod Mini's is that they consistently suffer from occasional audio stutters and they also suffer from a delay from pushing play to the audio actually starting. I have a Wifi 6e router and the problems all seem to be WIFI issue's which is all the more I'm disappointed that the new models don't have Wifi 6e as they will likely have the same problems too.

the OG homepod have wifi 5 and the new homepod have downgraded to wifi 4

 

[djcerla]

Only thing I think they were looking to improve in the Mini was the sound quality. It's absolutely atrocious for audio. By audio I mean music. Its ok for radio and podcasts and surprisingly ok for TV sound within a small room.

Atrocious, it’s not.

I replaced a Bose (battery too expensive & complex to replace) with a Mini. Bass, the Bose was better. But midrange and highs, the HomePod wins hands down. Also, apparently the sound had improved somewhat after the update.

The OG HomePod was never released in Italy, much to my chagrin, so as soon as I saw the preorder I jumped in.

 

[Alex Cai]

Apple really needs to make these wireless with MagSafe charging.

The top display can be a charging mat and the iPhone's display will replace the display on the homepod when the iPhone is on the HomePod

 

[DFZD]

Why would they? They are enabling previously locked features and charging extra for it.. Maybe this strategy is the reason Apple doesn't have to layoff people in the midst of a glaring recession.

 

[Kraszim]

My biggest issue with my stereo HomePod Mini's is that they consistently suffer from occasional audio stutters and they also suffer from a delay from pushing play to the audio actually starting. I have a Wifi 6e router and the problems all seem to be WIFI issue's which is all the more I'm disappointed that the new models don't have Wifi 6e as they will likely have the same problems too.

Minis actually have only wifi 4, and are very picky when it comes to router brand, but I managed to get it work after a fair bit of trial and error. Stuttering seems to be gone, but the delay is the fault of the airplay protocol, nothing you can do about it.

 

[Tyler O'Bannon]

As much as we (me) on these forums appreciate and enjoy all the details of all the tech inside all these releases, I think HomePod and mini are just not annual or even 2 year release products. HomePod is 5 years between releases, and I would not be surprised in mini is 3-4. When they are updated it will be meaningful. Truly improved sound and functionality. This fall the mini will turn 3. If iPhones make a big “tick” release, mini may not see an upgrade until the next year (whether that’s earlier in the year or all the way to September event). I think AR/VR/MR will get a lot of attention this year anyway. Wearables will probably get more attention (aka AirPods et. al.) than other things to accompany headset. This will probably be a bit different of a year of releases.

 

[rgwebb]

There is no point in a new homepod mini until there is some technological shift in home automation that requires pushing out new home hubs. I imagine that the new homepod and current homepod mini will not get updated for quite some time. If anything comes of this lineup, it will be a whole new product not a revision.

 

[QuarterSwede]

Only thing I think they were looking to improve in the Mini was the sound quality. It's absolutely atrocious for audio. By audio I mean music. Its ok for radio and podcasts and surprisingly ok for TV sound within a small room.

Oh come on. The only thing lacking is bass. We use it to complement other systems and it brings highs and mids to another room while the main system supplies the bass. Sounds great together. It’s a small speaker, physics can only allow so much at that size. You would be better served by the, excellent, HomePod (full size).

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

I don't believe that Apple is actively working on such as product. The latest HomePod doesn't include any major new functions that aren't already in the $99 mini, so there isn't an obvious reason to update the model. Sure, it would be nice to get more colors, a cheaper price, and better sound and microphones, but the real improvements probably need to be made on the back end — with Siri and app integration.

This isn't coming from a source and is not confirmation of the subject, it's just pure conjecture. And he actually gets paid to spout this nonsense.

He may as well added "The sky looks nice out, so I don't believe it will rain. However, given precipitation is common in this area, there's a chance rain will fall in the future."