What to Expect From the HomePod Mini 2 Rumored to Launch Next Year

[MacRumors]

More than four years have passed since Apple released the HomePod mini in November 2020, and the wait for a new model might finally soon be over.

Below, we recap rumors about the next-generation HomePod mini.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman last week reported that a new HomePod mini will be released next year. He said the speaker will be equipped with Apple's own combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, which supports Wi-Fi 6E. It is unclear if the chip's Wi-Fi 6E support will be enabled for the new HomePod mini, but if it is, that would allow for faster wireless connectivity compared to the current model's Wi-Fi 4 support.

While there are no other rumors yet, likely upgrades for the next HomePod mini include a newer "S" chip, improved sound quality, a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for a lower-latency Handoff experience, and new color options. The current HomePod mini is equipped with the S5 chip, which debuted in 2019's Apple Watch Series 5.

In addition to a new HomePod mini, Apple reportedly plans to release an all-new smart home hub as soon as March next year. The hub is expected to feature around a 6-inch display that can be mounted on a wall, or attached to a tabletop base with a speaker, so the device could be similar to the HomePod mini in some ways.

It is unclear if the next HomePod mini will have Siri improvements, as unlike the home hub, the speaker is not expected to get Apple Intelligence.

Check out our HomePod mini roundup for more details.

Article Link: What to Expect From the HomePod Mini 2 Rumored to Launch Next Year

 

[Apple247]

Gather 'round y'all – it's time for our weekly roundup of predictable incremental changes we won't see anytime soon!

 

[MacsRgr8]

What to expect from me: not buying them.
I have a pair of Homepod minis (bought them for our cabin for convenience, not for the audio quality), but as the internet connection is wonky there, I have stability issues.... frequently the Apple TV disconnects form them.

Looking to go back to a normal amplifier and set of stereo dumb-speakers and connect that to the Apple TV (via TV and toslink)

 

[nutmac]

Apple needs to clarify how Apple Intelligence will be added to HomePod (and Apple Watch which uses the same processor).

 

[applefan8254]

can we get ability to pair any bluetooth remote for track and volume control

 

[osofast240sx]

It would be awesome if it could have mm wave or motion sensor to detect presence, and maybe a light sensor for smart shade control. this would eliminate a lot of the rubbish on the market.

 

[lkrupp]

can we get ability to pair any bluetooth remote for track and volume control

Apple Feedback - HomePod

 

[lkrupp]

It would be awesome if it could have mm wave or motion sensor to detect presence, and maybe a light sensor for smart shade control. this would eliminate a lot of the rubbish on the market.

Apple Feedback - HomePod

 

[Student of Life]

So for improved quality sound, they mean new speakers? or are they attributing this to the new S chip?

 

[johannnn]

While there are no other rumors yet, likely upgrades for the next HomePod mini include a newer "S" chip, improved sound quality, a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for a lower-latency Handoff experience, and new color options. The current HomePod mini is equipped with the S5 chip, which debuted in 2019's Apple Watch Series 5.

so no Siri update lol? what makes me wanna throw my homepods in the trash is not the sound quality or the latency or the color, it's Siri that is a piece of ****.

 

[rymc02]

Why doesn't Apple offer a "4.1" speaker setup with HomePods? They have a movie studio and Spatial Audio. You would think they would be pushing theater sound at home. A great excuse for people to buy more HomePods.

 

[applefan8254]

Apple Feedback - HomePod

I went to the page, it asked me some questions about which device I was using etc, but there was no text box to type "can we get ability to pair any bluetooth remote for track and volume control"

 

[Rychiar]

why upgrade the wifi now? they stuck wifi 4 in the full size Homewood they put out last year so it must be acceptable to put junk parts in all these things they don't care about hell they thought it was acceptable to put wifi 6 in the vision pro, the one device where high speed wifi actually matters...

 

[TechnoTiger3000]

After 4 years of HomePod mini hell, a basic Bluetooth speaker without Siri would feel downright revolutionary in my household.

 

[TechnoTiger3000]

Apple Feedback - HomePod

This is an article speculating on new features, sharing ideas is the whole point. Your comment adds nothing.

 

[Belisama]

Beware, the sound waves generated by HomePod Mini 1 will become obsolete very soon.

 

[hooptyuber]

“improved sound quality”

Doubt.

 

[currentinterest]

I own 5 HomePod minis and 7 HomePods (some 1st, some 2nd generation) and love them all. I find Siri incredibly useful for my needs. It would be nice for the HomePod to be able to do a ChatGPT handoff, though. I will likely by new versions once they arrive.

 

[joecomo]

Gather 'round y'all – it's time for our weekly roundup of predictable incremental changes we won't see anytime soon!

we saw that with the AirPod Max ...

 

[joecomo]

I own 5 HomePod minis and 7 HomePods (some 1st, some 2nd generation) and love them all. I find Siri incredibly useful for my needs. It would be nice for the HomePod to be able to do a ChatGPT handoff, though. I will likely by new versions once they arrive.

HomePods are nice - but Siri?

 

[KeithBN]

I went to the page, it asked me some questions about which device I was using etc, but there was no text box to type "can we get ability to pair any bluetooth remote for track and volume control"

 

[applefan8254]

View attachment 2463445

Thanks, I submitted the feedback

 

[klasma]

So for improved quality sound, they mean new speakers? or are they attributing this to the new S chip?

It’s pure conjecture, merely based on the fact rumor that it will be a new model.

 

[wanha]

Apple needs to clarify how Apple Intelligence will be added to HomePod (and Apple Watch which uses the same processor).

Apple ain't clarifying 💩 until they actually announce a new HomePod with AI

 

[Jamie0003]

Why is there never any mention of Apple intelligence in any of these HomePod/Apple TV rumors? Surely that’s where it’s going to be most useful right? In the smart home?

My Apple Watch broke a while ago and want to upgrade to a series 10, but not if there’s not going to be AI support