Apple Introduces HomePod mini 2 With New Audio Features

Apple introduced the HomePod mini 2 smart speaker on October 13, 2026, adding a new S10 chip, future Siri AI support, improved audio processing, and expanded smart home features as part of its updated home ecosystem.

According to MacRumors, the $149 speaker uses the S10 chip to optimize dynamic range, loudness, and acoustic performance in real time. TechCrunch reported that the new model costs $50 more than the original HomePod mini released in 2020.

Apple said the speaker can work with the latest Apple TV 4K to create a four-speaker surround sound setup. According to MacRumors, the devices can recognize their position in a room and calibrate audio levels based on the space.

The company added a music visualization feature called a "visual canvas" that uses album artwork colors to animate the top surface of the speaker in sync with songs.

MacRumors reported that the Sound Glow feature reacts to bass and treble changes, while TechCrunch noted that users can also select soundscapes such as rain or ocean waves to start animations.

Apple said Siri AI will arrive through a future software update and will require pairing the HomePod mini 2 with an Apple Intelligence enabled iPhone or iPad. The assistant will support multi-turn conversations and recognize up to six users by voice.

The updated speaker continues to function as a home hub for controlling smart home devices, according to Apple. MacRumors reported that it also supports Sound Recognition to detect smoke or carbon monoxide alarms and send alerts.

Apple said the HomePod mini 2 can also serve as a speaker for Mac computers during video calls or music playback. The device is available in pink, green, blue, white, and midnight colors, with preorders beginning October 13 and launch scheduled for October 30.