Apple Unveils HomePod mini 2 With S10 Chip, $149 Price
Apple's next-generation HomePod mini 2 costs $149 in the US, $20 more than the previous model, and ships on the 30th without Siri AI at launch.
Apple has unveiled the next-generation smart speaker HomePod mini 2, according to digitaltoday.co.kr. The device uses the S10 chip, the same processor Apple put in the Apple Watch Series 10, and is priced at 149 dollars in the US, 20 dollars more than the previous model.
Pre-orders open the same day as the announcement, with the official release set for the 30th. The speaker comes in five colors: pink, green, blue, white, and midnight. Apple will discontinue the existing HomePod mini.
Siri AI is not included at launch. Apple says the feature will arrive through a software update after release, and it will first be offered in English in eight countries including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. No Korean support schedule has been announced.
A feature called Sound Glow changes the LED light on top of the speaker based on the album cover colors and sound of the music being played. The speaker can also be set as the default speaker for a Mac, reducing voice latency through a continuous AirPlay connection; this works on Macs supporting Wi-Fi 6E or higher.
When connected to the new Apple TV 4K, up to four HomePod speakers can form surround sound, and the speaker recognizes where it is installed to automatically adjust audio to the space. Apple also unveiled the smart display HomeView and the 4th-generation Apple TV 4K alongside the speaker.
Quick answers
How much does the HomePod mini 2 cost?
It is priced at 149 dollars in the US, 20 dollars more than the previous model.
When does the HomePod mini 2 go on sale?
Pre-orders start the same day as the announcement, and the official release is on the 30th.
Does the HomePod mini 2 support Siri AI at launch?
No. Siri AI is not included at launch and will be provided through a software update after release, starting in English in eight countries including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.