HomePod Mini Now Works With Select 18W Chargers Following 14.3 Software Update

Monday December 28, 2020 8:18 am PST by Joe Rossignol

Earlier this month, Apple released a 14.3 software update for the HomePod and HomePod mini, and it has since been discovered that this update allows the HomePod mini to be powered by select 18W chargers.

As noted in a Reddit thread spotted by The 8-Bit, and confirmed by MacRumors, the HomePod mini now works with Apple's own 18W USB-C power adapter and select third-party 18W power adapters from brands like Aukey. One user was even able to power the HomePod mini with an 18W battery pack from Cygnett, allowing for portable use.

Previously, when attempting to use the HomePod mini with a power adapter rated below 20W, the speaker would simply display an orange light and not function. This may still be the case with certain 18W power adapters, as certain power profiles may be required.

Apple includes a 20W power adapter with the HomePod mini, but many customers may have an 18W power adapter from an iPhone 11 Pro or other device.

To check if your HomePod mini is running the 14.3 software update, open the Home app on an iPhone, tap on the house icon in the top-left corner, tap on Home Settings, and tap on Software Update. ‌‌‌‌HomePod‌‌‌‌‌ software updates are installed automatically, unless the feature is disabled‌‌‌‌, but updates can also be installed manually.

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Top Rated Comments

jonnysods

76 months ago

I was just happy when I opened my Mini for Christmas that it came with a power brick...

Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)

BruiserB

76 months ago

I inadvertently noticed something had changed, now this makes sense. I have an Aukey 36W charger that has 2 USB C ports. Prior to the software update, it would power the Homepod mini if that was the only thing plugged into it, but the Homepod would glow orange if something else was plugged in. I just recently noticed that it stopped doing this and I could plug something else in as well. My guess is with 2 things plugged in, 18W is allocated to each port, but this is now enough for the mini.

EDIT: Just looked at the Aukey manual...it says: Either USB-C port can output 30W Power Delivery on its own. When both ports are used, each USB-C port outputs up to 18W Power Delivery.

Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)

CarlJ

76 months ago

I was going to buy a couple of these until I found out that you have to plug them into a wall socket...so 1990s. Why not make them rechargeable?

They're designed to sit on a table / desk / etc. Why needlessly complicate the design by adding batteries and charging hardware, and then complicate use by having to worry about keeping them charged, and having to worry about battery life? They're speakers - if you add batteries, either they're bigger and heavier, or there's less room for, you know, the actual speaker drivers, lowering sound quality.

Do you also want your TV to be rechargeable? And only plug your TV in when it needs to charge?

Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)