Apple HomePod mini 2 2026: Cupertino-based tech giant unveiled the HomePod mini 2 with Siri AI support earlier today. It debuted in two new colours and will ship as the successor to the first-generation HomePod mini that launched in 2020. Apple said Siri AI will be available “later” as a software update for the new smart speaker. Similar to the previous generation, it supports stereo pair and multiroom audio. With the latest Apple TV 4K, the HomePod mini 2 supports surround sound with up to four speakers.
For detailed context on the differences between the HomePod mini 2 (2026) and HomePod mini (2020), here is a comparison of the two devices and their India prices.
Chip: HomePod mini 2 is powered by Apple’s S10 chip and advanced computing that can analyse music in real time and optimise loudness, dynamic range and acoustics, Apple said. The HomePod mini (2020) debuted with an S5 chip.
Sound Glow: HomePod mini 2’s top can glow and sync with music in real time. The light shade can adjust to the album art of the song which is playing on the speaker. Further, “users can pick a soundscape like rain to trigger bespoke animations for a soothing atmosphere,” Apple said.
Sensors and connectivity: The new HomePod mini offers temperature and humidity sensors optimised for domestic indoor environments. Further, while the HomePod mini 2 gets Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6, the mini supports Wi‑Fi 802.11n and Bluetooth 5.0.
Siri AI: The HomePod mini 2 supports Siri AI-based voice commands powered by Apple Intelligence, which can send texts, set reminders and more. It offers contextual understanding and “broad world knowledge” for richer music discovery. System requirements to utilise the voice assistant’s full potential include an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone or iPad running the latest iOS or iPadOS. It can recognise up to six users and connect with devices to explore details like a song sent by a friend via text and more. Plus, it can answer queries with up-to-date information.
Mics and pairing: While the HomePod mini 2 offers a three-microphone design, the previous-generation HomePod mini gets four. The new speaker can serve as a default speaker for iMac. Plus, it also supports surround sound with Apple TV 4K and is compatible with HomePod software 27.2
Smart home management: Users can manage their connected home experience via voice commands on the mini 2, such as locking a door, closing the garage, turning the lights off, etc. Plus, the mini 2’s Sound Recognition enables smoke or carbon monoxide alarm notifications on a user’s supported Apple device.
Also Read: Apple Welcome Home event 2026: From HomeView to HomePod mini 2, everything announced
Colours: The new HomePod mini 2 comes in white, pink, green, blue and midnight. Apple continued white, midnight and blue from the previous generation. However, space grey, orange and yellow no longer exist and have been replaced by pink and green.
Apple HomePod mini 2 price in India is Rs 18,900, and buyers can pre-order the speaker now. The availability is slated for October 30. The HomePod mini (2020) was retailing at Rs 15,900 after the price hike. This means the new model is Rs 3,000 more expensive than its predecessor.