Apple first unveiled the HomePod mini in 2020, coinciding with the launch of the iPhone 12 series, and since then, it has seen minimal changes. In 2021, Apple added several new color variants like blue, orange, and yellow. This year, they replaced Space Gray with Midnight, which maintains a similar appearance but is crafted from 100% recycled mesh fabric.
However, after nearly five years, Apple is set to refresh the HomePod mini with a few new features.
New Networking Chip
One of the few expected upgrades for the upcoming HomePod mini is the introduction of Apple’s proprietary networking chip, codenamed ‘Proxima’. This addition will mark a significant first for the HomePod mini, enabling it to support Wi-Fi 6E.
Moreover, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has noted that this new networking chip could function as a wireless access point, potentially transforming the HomePod mini from merely a smart speaker into something more versatile. It remains uncertain whether Apple will implement this feature, but if they do, it could allow the HomePod mini to participate in a Wi-Fi mesh network, akin to the previously discontinued AirPort Express.
Enhanced Apple Intelligence
Regrettably, even though the HomePod serves as an excellent platform for features related to Apple Intelligence—especially regarding Siri—there are no current rumors indicating that either the HomePod or HomePod mini will gain support for such features. However, Apple’s forthcoming smart home display, often referred to as ‘HomePad,’ is anticipated to incorporate Apple Intelligence functionalities.
To facilitate Apple Intelligence features, Apple would likely need to incorporate an A17 Pro or A18 chipset into the HomePod mini, which could significantly elevate production costs. Presently, Apple employs chipsets from the Apple Watch in the HomePod, with the mini utilizing the S5 chipset from the Apple Watch Series 5 and the first-generation Apple Watch SE.
At a minimum, Apple might consider introducing functionalities like ChatGPT integration or leveraging Private Cloud Compute for Siri intelligence requests from the HomePod. Neither of these options would demand extensive on-device processing, although they would incur server costs for Apple. It’s possible they may absorb these costs to enhance Siri’s effectiveness, or they could restrict these features to users on a specific iCloud+ subscription level. Only time will reveal their strategy.
Release Date
As reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the HomePod mini 2 is expected to launch later this year:
Apple’s less impactful products will also see updates. A new AirTag with improved range—code-named B589—is already in the production stages. Additionally, new models of the HomePod mini and Apple TV set-top boxes are slated for release toward the year’s end. These devices will be designed with Apple’s new smart home ecosystem in mind.
Are you excited about the upcoming HomePod mini? What other improvements would you like to see in this device? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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