What's Next for HomePod Mini: Recapping the Latest Rumors

by

It's been over two years since Apple released the HomePod mini. Beyond new color options, the smart speaker has not been updated since launching in November 2020, but rumors suggest that a new model could be in the pipeline.

homepod mini thumb feature
Below, we've recapped the latest rumors and expectations for the HomePod mini.

HomePod Mini History

  • October 2020: Apple announces the HomePod mini during its iPhone 12 event.
  • November 2020: HomePod mini launches November 16 in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Spain, and the U.K., followed by Mexico and Taiwan on November 24.
  • December 2020 - November 2021: HomePod mini launches in mainland China, Austria, Ireland, New Zealand, and Italy.
  • March 2021: Apple discontinues the full-sized HomePod.
  • November 2021: HomePod mini gets three new color options: yellow, orange, and blue.
  • March 2022: HomePod mini launches in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.

HomePod Mini Rumors

New Model

In August 2022, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple was considering launching an updated version of the HomePod mini in the future, but he did not provide a specific timeframe or details about potential new features. He did say the update was unlikely to be "super-impressive," suggesting any changes to the speaker would be minor.

More Countries

Apple is likely to launch the HomePod mini in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden in the foreseeable future based on Siri language support.

In recent software updates, the HomePod mini and full-sized HomePod gained support for Siri in Swedish, Norwegian, and Finnish. Danish is still not supported on HomePods, but a report earlier this year indicated that the language was being tested.

Improved Home App

Starting with iOS 16.2, which remains in beta testing, an optional update is available for the Home app on the iPhone. Apple says the update improves the app's performance, efficiency, and reliability for controlling smart home accessories.

To upgrade the Home app, all HomePod speakers associated with the same iCloud account as the iPhone must be updated to HomePod software version 16.2, which also remains in beta testing and is expected to be released alongside iOS 16.2 later this month.

Related Roundup: HomePod mini
Buyer's Guide: HomePod Mini (Neutral)
Related Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology

Top Rated Comments

blcamp Avatar
blcamp
9 weeks ago
Not a fan of the Mini... I want a new, updated, full-sized HomePod. In fact, I'll take FOUR of them!
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nutmac Avatar
nutmac
9 weeks ago
My wishes for HomePod mini:

* Faster processor capable of On-Device Siri
* Better noise handling on the microphone
* Improved audio quality (louder)
* LED segments on the status lights that displays the current time or timer status
* Spec bumped to Wi-Fi 6
* Bedtime Sleep integration when the iPhone or Apple Watch is nearby
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ? Avatar
TheYayAreaLiving ?
9 weeks ago
What's next for Homepod Mini - Siri needs to be fixed and integrated well seamlessly.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
neliason Avatar
neliason
9 weeks ago
Siri is the problem. Beyond setting a timer and telling me the weather it isn’t good for much. The speakers themselves are great for having them spread throughout the house to play music or podcasts. But initiating that via Siri works so poorly that I gave up on it.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ? Avatar
TheYayAreaLiving ?
9 weeks ago

My wishes for HomePod mini:

* Faster processor capable of On-Device Siri
* Better noise handling on the microphone
* Improved audio quality (louder)
* LED segments on the status lights that displays the current time or timer status
* Spec bumped to Wi-Fi 6
* Bedtime Sleep integration when the iPhone or Apple Watch is nearby

A Product Red HomePod Mini would be very welcoming. Or how about a radium-luminous color so it can be seen at night without turning on the lights?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
840quadra Avatar
840quadra
9 weeks ago
Wouldn't mind a bit more functions such as a full EQ, and the units could use far brighter sound overall. Coaxial (if possible) woofer / tweeter for more crisp highs would be appreciated.

I love my stereo pair, and while they do have better bass, the sound quality is just not as sharp as my old pair of Apple Pro desktop speakers!
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments

Popular Stories

iOS 16

iOS 16.3 Now Available for Your iPhone With These 4 New Features

Friday February 3, 2023 1:13 pm PST by
Apple released iOS 16.3 in late January following nearly six weeks of beta testing. The software update is available for the iPhone 8 and newer, and while it is a relatively minor update, it still includes a handful of new features, changes, and bug fixes. Below, we've recapped new features in iOS 16.3, including support for physical security keys as a two-factor authentication option for...
Read Full Article
HomePod 2 White and Midnight Feature Purple Blue

Apple Explains Why HomePod Was Released Again, Wi-Fi 4 Limitation, and More

Thursday February 2, 2023 7:57 am PST by
Apple's VP of hardware engineering Matthew Costello and product marketing employee Alice Chan recently spoke with Men's Journal and TechCrunch about the new second-generation HomePod in wide-ranging interviews about the smart speaker. Apple discontinued the original full-size HomePod in March 2021 after multiple reports indicated that sales of the speaker were lackluster, but Chan told Men's ...
Read Full Article • 303 comments
Apple Silicon Teal Feature

The Next Big Apple Silicon Device May Not Be a Mac or iPad

Wednesday February 1, 2023 3:57 am PST by
Apple's next device with an Apple silicon chip may not be a Mac or an iPad, but rather an advanced external display, according to recent reports. The display, which is rumored to arrive this year, is expected to sit somewhere between the $1,599 Studio Display and the $4,999 Pro Display XDR – but more exact information about the device's positioning and price point is as yet unknown. While ...
Read Full Article
iOS 16

Apple Preparing iOS 16.3.1 Update for iPhone as Wait for iOS 16.4 Beta Continues

Thursday February 2, 2023 6:41 am PST by
Apple appears to be preparing an iOS 16.3.1 update for the iPhone, based on evidence of the software in our website's analytics logs this week. It's unclear when the update will be released, but it will likely be available at some point in February. The same logs have accurately foreshadowed the release of several previous updates, including iOS 16.0.3 and iOS 16.1.1 most recently, so they...
Read Full Article • 55 comments
General iOS 16 Feature Yellow

Five New iOS Features Coming to Your iPhone Later This Year

Tuesday January 31, 2023 11:58 am PST by
Apple has previously announced several upcoming iOS features that are expected to be added to the iPhone this year. Some of the features could be introduced with iOS 16.4, which should enter beta testing soon, while others will arrive later in the year. Below, we have recapped five new iOS features that are expected to launch in 2023, such as an Apple Pay Later financing option for purchases ...
Read Full Article • 45 comments
Apple Pay Later Quick Green Feature

Apple Pay Later Launching 'Soon'

Thursday February 2, 2023 2:10 pm PST by
The Apple Pay Later service that Apple has in the works is set to launch "soon," Apple CEO Tim Cook told CNBC ahead of today's earnings call for the first fiscal quarter of 2023. Cook said that Apple employees are beta testing the Apple Pay Later feature, which will help Apple boost services revenue. "It will be launching soon," Cook said. Apple Pay Later was first previewed at the...
Read Full Article • 86 comments
webkit vs chromium feature

Google Working on Browser for iOS That Would Break Apple's App Store Rules

Saturday February 4, 2023 1:30 am PST by
Google's Chromium developers are working on an experimental web browser for iOS that would break Apple's browser engine restrictions, The Register reports. The experimental browser, which is being actively pursued by developers, uses Google's Blink engine. Yet if Google attempted to release it on the App Store, it would not pass Apple's App Review process. Apple's App Store rules dictate...
Read Full Article • 231 comments