HomePod Mini 2 Ships: Faster Performance, New Colors, and Delayed AI

Key points

• The HomePod Mini 2 costs $149, a $50 increase over the original $99 price, and is available in pink, green, blue, white, and midnight.
• The device utilizes an S10 chip to improve computational audio and reduce latency for smart home commands and music playback.
• Siri AI functionality is not available at launch; Apple states it will arrive in a future software update at no additional cost.
• The new speaker supports low-latency wireless audio for Macs with Wi-Fi 6E, a feature that did not work reliably for some reviewers.
• HomePod Software 27.2 introduces 'Sound Glow,' which pulses ambient light based on album artwork, and 'Lock Controls' to disable touch inputs.

Background

Apple announced the HomePod Mini 2 and fourth-generation Apple TV 4K in October 2026. Previous coverage highlighted significant price hikes, with the speaker increasing from $99 to $149 and the TV box rising to $299. Critics argued these increases outpaced the hardware upgrades, though the new S10 chip and Wi-Fi 6E support were noted as technical advancements. The device began shipping on October 30, following a pre-order period that started on October 13.

How outlets are covering it

The Verge’s Jennifer Pattison Tuohy praised the Mini 2’s speed and new green color but criticized the lack of sound system upgrades and the failure of the Mac speaker feature in her testing. 9to5Mac highlighted the low-latency Mac audio capability as a major improvement, noting it requires Wi-Fi 6E hardware and excludes older M1-based Macs. Cult of Mac emphasized the S10 chip’s role in computational audio and the availability of the device in stores, while acknowledging the delayed Siri AI. The Apple Post confirmed the release of HomePod Software 27.2, which enables Sound Glow and Lock Controls across multiple HomePod generations, including the original model.

Why it matters

The HomePod Mini 2 represents Apple’s first major refresh of its entry-level smart speaker in six years. The delayed Siri AI integration may frustrate early adopters expecting advanced conversational features, while the price increase has sparked debate over value. The new low-latency Mac audio feature could make the speaker a viable alternative to traditional desktop speakers for creative professionals, provided the hardware requirements are met.

What to watch

Apple plans to release Siri AI for the HomePod Mini 2 in a future software update. Users should monitor for HomePod Software 27.2 updates to enable Sound Glow and Lock Controls. The company has not provided a specific timeline for the Siri AI rollout, but it is expected to arrive without an additional charge.