Apple Set to Refresh HomePod Mini for the First Time in Years with New Features

Apple’s HomePod mini, launched in 2020 alongside the iPhone 12, is gearing up for its first major update in nearly five years. Initially, the compact smart speaker was met with a limited range of color options, with just the addition of blue, orange, and yellow in 2021 that brought a fresh twist to its design. The recent shift from Space Gray to a more environmentally-responsible Midnight shade, made from 100% recycled mesh fabric, also kept the HomePod mini feeling contemporary within Apple’s lineup.

Now, with a significant refresh on the horizon, Apple enthusiasts can expect exciting enhancements in the upcoming HomePod mini 2. According to industry insider and Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, one of the most anticipated upgrades is the introduction of an in-house networking chip, codenamed “Proxima.” This advancement will bring Wi-Fi 6E capability to the HomePod mini, marking the first time Apple has incorporated its proprietary networking tech into this smart speaker.

Moreover, the Proxima chip may serve as a wireless access point, potentially transforming the HomePod mini from a simple smart speaker into a more versatile device. Although it’s still uncertain if Apple will fully capitalize on this capability, if they do, it might allow the HomePod mini to integrate into a Wi-Fi mesh network akin to the now-discontinued AirPort Express.

While Apple has not indicated any impending enhancements related to Siri’s Apple Intelligence features for the HomePod mini, speculations abound regarding the future capabilities of their upcoming smart home display, informally dubbed the ‘HomePad.’ For the HomePod mini to support these cutting-edge features, however, Apple would likely need to incorporate either an A17 Pro or A18 chipset, a change that would likely necessitate a price increase.

Currently, the HomePod mini runs on the S5 chipset from the Apple Watch Series 5. The expectation that it could support significant upgrades brings hope to users who desire more from their smart speakers, especially regarding Siri’s interaction capabilities. Future enhancements like ChatGPT integration or using Private Cloud Compute for Siri requests could be on the table and wouldn’t require extensive on-device processing, although they would involve server costs for Apple.

Looking ahead, according to Gurman, Apple plans to roll out new versions of its home devices, including the refreshed HomePod mini and a revamped Apple TV set-top box, in the coming year. These updates indicate a significant shift in Apple’s approach to smart home technology, aligning with evolving consumer expectations.

As anticipation builds, many are left wondering about the extent of the enhancements that the HomePod mini 2 will bring. What features or capabilities do potential buyers hope to see? Will we see the HomePod mini redefined, or will the updates be subtle? Feedback and expectations from consumers will play a vital role in shaping Apple’s development strategy moving forward.

For now, the tech world watches closely as Apple prepares to make waves in the smart home market once again, hoping to reinvigorate the HomePod brand and deliver on consumer desires for innovation and functionality.

Stay tuned for developments as the launch date approaches, and share your thoughts on what improvements you’d like to see in the HomePod mini 2 in the comments below!

Michael, a dedicated weekend editor at 9to5Mac, has been following Apple news since the pandemic began and continues to explore this ever-evolving universe of technology as a passionate indie iOS developer.