- By Alex David
- Wed, 12 Nov 2025 01:12 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Apple is said to be readying a new model of the HomePod Mini, its compact smart speaker that was first released in 2020, in what would be its first significant update. The new HomePod Mini 2 (name TBC) will receive major internal updates, including a faster processor, faster wireless connectivity and better computational audio performance that’s designed to enable it to join the ranks of more powerful high-end smart home products in Apple’s stable.
A Big Step Up in Processing Power
The current HomePod Mini, which was introduced four years ago, is powered by Apple’s S5 chip that was first seen in the Apple Watch Series 5 and is built on an A12 Bionic version. This chip was designed specifically for low-power, always-on applications like Siri processing and audio tuning, but it has begun to show its age alongside Apple’s latest silicon.
ALSO READ: Apple Introduces New 'Sock' For Your iPhone, But You Won't Be Able To Buy It! Here's Why
The second-generation HomePod Mini should also see a step-change, with the S9 chip (found in Apple Watch Series 9) or a new S10 chip, both of which are based on the A13 Bionic design.
This upgrade will bring several benefits:
- Faster CPU and GPU performance for quicker Siri responses.
- A more advanced Neural Engine for better on-device AI processing.
- Greater energy efficiency, ensuring smoother operation and improved heat management.
In practical use, that might mean more responsive voice commands, smarter real-time audio tweaks and an altogether zippier experience when controlling your Apple smart home setup.
Smarter Computational Audio and Dynamic Sound Tuning
The HomePod Mini 2 would be able to offer better computational audio — using the added oomph from the new chip to further change how the device dynamically alters sound quality.
Powered by real-time processing, the new speaker would automatically optimise sound output based on room acoustics, listening position and type of content — guaranteeing clear and balanced sound at all times.
That would put the pint-sized HomePod Mini more in line performance-wise with the larger second-generation HomePod, despite its discreet size.
Upgraded Connectivity with Apple’s N1 Wireless Chip
The other mystery spec of the new model has also been solved; it’s the addition of Apple’s new N1 wireless chip, which combines Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth onto a single piece of silicon.
That chip is intended to feature Wi-Fi 6E, which gives access to the 6GHz spectrum so:
- Faster data transfer speeds
- Lower latency and interference
- More stable connections across multiple smart devices
For homes with newer Wi-Fi 6E routers, this means the next HomePod Mini will deliver more dependable multi-device syncing, better performance with smart home accessories and more consistent streaming across Apple’s sprawling Home ecosystem.
Design, Colours, and Ecosystem Integration
The design of the HomePod Mini 2 is set to be fairly similar to its predecessor, but reports suggest Apple will offer new finishes, including red, alongside the current Blue, Yellow, Orange, Midnight and White colourways.
The new model is also going to fit right into Apple’s refreshed smart home approach, interfacing natively with Matter-enabled devices, which should be arriving later this year, as well as your Apple TV and Siri Shortcuts. But there are some early indications that it may not come with Apple Intelligence capabilities or a sweeping Siri overhaul, at least out of the gate.
Launch Timeline and Availability
Rumours of an impending launch have been gaining momentum after retailers like B&H Photo labelled the existing HomePod Mini as discontinued. That typically means an updated version is imminent.
Although Apple hasn’t confirmed a release date, insiders say the HomePod Mini 2 is likely to arrive in the next several months alongside some early-2025 product updates.
ALSO READ: Google Unveils Private AI Compute: Bringing Cloud-Powered AI With On-Device Privacy
Expected Highlights of the HomePod Mini 2
- Processor: S9 or S10 chip (A13 Bionic architecture)
- Wireless: N1 chip with Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth integration
- Audio: Smarter computational tuning and dynamic sound optimisation
- Colours: New Red finish, alongside Blue, Yellow, Midnight, Orange, and White
- Ecosystem: Deep integration with HomeKit and Matter devices
- Launch: Expected soon, as current model stock depletes
In Summary
The next HomePod Mini, the HomePod Mini 2, will apparently deliver a dramatic leap in performance for Apple’s smallest smart speaker. Now, with a more powerful processor, improved wireless connectivity and smarter audio tuning, the already-terrific speaker looks set to deliver even faster, even more connected and even more immersive sound, all without compromising on its small-in-stature but big-in-sound appeal.
If true, Apple fanatics won’t have long to wait before they are able to bring this next-generation HomePod Mini into their smart homes.
