Apple's newly released HomePod mini features a USB-C power cord that plugs into a separate power adapter, and there was speculation that the cord could perhaps be removed, but that's not the case.
In a home teardown, MacRumors forum member ouimetnick found that the power cord is not meant to come out and it is not replaceable if it is removed.
The standard HomePod also comes with a cord that's not meant to be removed, but it can technically be pulled out with enough force and then reattached. That does not appear to be the case with the HomePod mini, and attempting to remove the cable can lead to damage to the speaker.
The quick home teardown also walks through disassembling the HomePod mini and shows off the built in S5 chip that powers the device. Most people won't need to open up the HomePod mini, but it's a useful look inside in lieu of iFixit's traditional teardown.
Saturday April 11, 2026 9:14 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly a year later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon.
In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.
CarPlay Ultra...
As we wait for WWDC to kick off next Monday, Apple today announced the winners of its annual Apple Design Awards, recognizing apps and games for their innovation, ingenuity, and technical achievement.
The 2025 Apple Design Award winners are listed below, with one app and one game selected per category:
Delight and Fun - CapWords (App) and Balatro (Game)
Innovation - Play (App) and PBJ -...
Saturday April 11, 2026 9:07 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
While the AirPods Max 2 received more attention, Apple also released a second pair of headphones last month: Nike Powerbeats Pro 2.
Nike Powerbeats Pro 2 are the same as the regular Powerbeats Pro 2, except they have a two-tone design consisting of black and Nike's signature Volt neon green-yellow color. The headphones were released on March 20 in the U.S., Canada, Australia, the U.K., and a ...
Apple has unveiled nine new products this month, but the wait continues for the next-generation Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini models.
In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said new versions of the Apple TV and HomePod mini have been "ready" since last year, but he reiterated that Apple has held off on releasing them until the more personalized version of Siri and other...
Alongside iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and macOS Tahoe 26.4, Apple has released new HomePod 26.4 software for the HomePod and the HomePod mini. The update comes a little over a month after Apple released HomePod Software 26.3.
According to Apple's release notes, HomePod Software 26.4 includes performance and stability improvements.
HomePod software is installed...
Thursday March 26, 2026 9:30 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
On a live Q&A call today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple is planning to release a new full-sized HomePod alongside new HomePod mini and Apple TV models.
Gurman reiterated that updates to all three products are on hold until Apple releases its more personalized version of Siri later this year. The revamped assistant is expected to debut in iOS 27, which will be available in beta starting...
I can't stop laughing at the first picture. Reminds me of when I was a kid and used to take things apart from around my house; then have no idea how to put it back together :cool:
what happens with the plug/wire goes bad? just have genius bar rip you off as usual?
Unlikely to ever happen during the lifetime of a device that isn't moved around much. When was the last time you had to replace the power cord on your toaster? Your TV? Your lamp?
Laptops and phones are very different because we're plugging and unplugging them every day and stressing the cables constantly.
