Hartley Charlton
Apple unveiled the HomePod mini smart speaker four years ago at its “Hi, Speed” event.
The affordable smart speaker was announced alongside the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max in October 2020. HomePod mini — Apple's first compact smart speaker to offer high-quality audio, Siri voice control, and smart home integration via HomeKit.
At $99, it contrasts with the full-size HomePod, which retails for $299 and is focused on delivering bigger, better sound thanks to more advanced audio hardware like multiple tweeters and woofers. While both models share Siri integration and smart home capabilities, the HomePod mini is significantly smaller, runs on Apple's S5 chip, lacks spatial awareness, and comes in a wider range of color options.
- HomePod Mini and HomePod Buyer's Guide
In October 2021, Apple introduced three new colors — blue, yellow, and orange — to its lineup, adding a splash of color to the previously monochromatic Space Gray and White options. audioOS 14.3, released shortly after its launch, added support for 18W power adapters. With audioOS 16.3, Apple enabled previously undisclosed temperature and humidity sensors in the HomePod mini. While these sensors were discovered in a teardown shortly after launch, Apple waited to enable them with the release of the second-generation full-size HomePod. On July 15, 2024, Apple updated the HomePod mini again, discontinuing the Space Gray variant and replacing it with a Midnight color variant to match the full-size HomePod.
Despite its age, the HomePod mini remains available with the same hardware it debuted with four years ago. However, Apple is believed to be working on a second-generation version that could debut in the near future.
Related Review: HomePod miniBuyer's Guide: HomePod Mini (Warning)Related Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology[ 122 comments ]
