HomePod mini 2 review - Six years later, not enough reasons to upgrade yet
The $149 HomePod mini 2 sounds slightly better and offers expanded connectivity, but neither improvement gives existing owners a compelling reason to upgrade. Right - HomePod mini 2. Left - HomePod mini 1 Six years after the original HomePod mini arrived, Apple's second-generation speaker brings more than a faster processor. New Mac audio capabilities, four-speaker surround sound for Apple TV 4K , and upgraded wireless hardware expand what the compact speaker can do beyond playing music. The HomePod mini 2 launched on October 30, 2026, without Siri AI, one of its most anticipated features. Until Apple delivers that update, the newer model makes a stronger case for first-time buyers and people expanding their setups than for anyone replacing a perfectly good original. Specification HomePod mini (2020) HomePod mini 2 (2026) Launch price $99 $149 Processor Apple S5 Apple S10 Audio hardware Full-range driver, two passive radiators Full-range driver, two passive radiators Computational audio Real-time tuning Advanced real-time tuning Microphones Four Three Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 4 Wi-Fi 6E Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.0 Bluetooth 6 Siri Standard Siri Standard Siri, Siri AI coming later Mac audio Standard AirPlay Persistent connection with compatible Macs Apple TV surround Standard playback and stereo pairing Four-speaker surround with fourth-generation Apple TV 4K Stereo pairing Two original minis Two mini 2 speakers Sound Glow Supported with software 27.2 Supported Smart home Apple Home hub, Thread, temperature and humidity sensors Apple Home hub, Thread, temperature and humidity sensors Ultra Wideband Yes Yes Dimensions 3.3 x 3.9 inches 3.3 x 3.9 inches Weight 0.76 pound 0.74 pound Colors White, blue, orange, yellow, midnight White, blue, pink, green, midnight Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
What happened?
The $149 HomePod mini 2 sounds slightly better and offers expanded connectivity, but neither improvement gives existing owners a compelling reason to upgrade. Right - HomePod mini 2. Left - HomePod mini 1 Six years after the original HomePod mini arrived, Apple's second-generation speaker brings more than a faster processor. New Mac audio capabilities, four-speaker surround sound for Apple TV 4K , and upgraded wireless hardware expand what the compact speaker can do beyond playing music. The HomePod mini 2 launched on October 30, 2026, without Siri AI, one of its most anticipated features. Until Apple delivers that update, the newer model makes a stronger case for first-time buyers and people expanding their setups than for anyone replacing a perfectly good original. Specification HomePod mini (2020) HomePod mini 2 (2026) Launch price $99 $149 Processor Apple S5 Apple S10 Audio hardware Full-range driver, two passive radiators Full-range driver, two passive radiators Computational audio Real-time tuning Advanced real-time tuning Microphones Four Three Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 4 Wi-Fi 6E Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.0 Bluetooth 6 Siri Standard Siri Standard Siri, Siri AI coming later Mac audio Standard AirPlay Persistent connection with compatible Macs Apple TV surround Standard playback and stereo pairing Four-speaker surround with fourth-generation Apple TV 4K Stereo pairing Two original minis Two mini 2 speakers Sound Glow Supported with software 27.2 Supported Smart home Apple Home hub, Thread, temperature and humidity sensors Apple Home hub, Thread, temperature and humidity sensors Ultra Wideband Yes Yes Dimensions 3.3 x 3.9 inches 3.3 x 3.9 inches Weight 0.76 pound 0.74 pound Colors White, blue, orange, yellow, midnight White, blue, pink, green, midnight Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Story details
The $149 HomePod mini 2 sounds slightly better and offers expanded connectivity, but neither improvement gives existing owners a compelling reason to upgrade.
Left - HomePod mini 1 Six years after the original HomePod mini arrived, Apple's second-generation speaker brings more than a faster processor.
New Mac audio capabilities, four-speaker surround sound for Apple TV 4K , and upgraded wireless hardware expand what the compact speaker can do beyond playing music.
Why it matters
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