The current Apple HomePod mini launched back in 2020. In the fast-moving tech world, that makes it ancient. While it is still a great smart speaker for music, the smart home landscape has evolved rapidly. New rumors from Bloomberg suggest Apple is finally preparing a major update. The HomePod mini 2 is reportedly launching this fall, and it focuses heavily on upgrading the speaker’s brain rather than its design.
A New Brain for Apple Intelligence
The biggest change coming to the new smart speaker is a massive processor upgrade. The current model uses the S5 chip from an older Apple Watch. The HomePod mini 2 will reportedly jump to an S9 chip or newer. This upgrade is entirely about supporting the new Apple Intelligence features coming in iOS 27. Siri needs serious processing power to handle local voice processing, context awareness, and complex follow-up questions. With the new chip, you should be able to ask Siri to adjust the living room temperature and then seamlessly follow up by asking it to close the blinds there as well.
Faster Connections and Better Networking
Apple is also focusing on how the speaker connects to your other devices. Rumors suggest a new Ultra-Wideband chip will replace the current U1 chip. This will make transferring music from your iPhone to the speaker nearly instant. The most exciting news for smart home builders is the potential for a custom Apple Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip. This change should make the HomePod mini 2 a much more reliable Thread border router, creating a rock-solid Matter and Thread connection for your sensors and lights.
Upgraded Audio and Expected Pricing
Do not expect a radical redesign. The familiar spherical shape is expected to return. Apple is likely keeping the exterior unchanged while upgrading the internal microphones. Better microphones mean Siri will actually hear your commands over a loud television or a running exhaust fan. Due to the upgraded internal chips, the price tag might bump up slightly from the current model.