HomePod mini 2: Everything We Know So Far

It’s been nearly five years since Apple launched the original HomePod mini. And while the full-size HomePod made a quiet comeback in 2023, its smaller sibling has remained unchanged, aside from a few new colors. But now, signs point to Apple finally working on the HomePod mini 2. If you’re wondering what’s new, what to expect, and when it might launch, here’s everything we know so far.

A Long Overdue Update

The HomePod mini launched back in 2020. At the time, it packed decent audio, Siri support, and smart home features into a compact, budget-friendly speaker. But in the years since, Apple hasn’t really touched it—no hardware updates, no new features (apart from enabling the hidden temperature and humidity sensors in 2022), and still the same design. So yes, an update is overdue.

What to Expect from HomePod mini 2

Don’t expect major design changes. Most reports agree that the HomePod mini 2 will look almost the same on the outside. But inside, Apple is making several key improvements:

New Wireless Chip

Apple is reportedly working on its own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip to replace Broadcom’s modules. This new chip will be more efficient and might even allow the speaker to act as a Wi-Fi extender or part of a mesh network.

FaceTime Like a Pro:

Get our exclusive Ultimate FaceTime Guide 📚 — absolutely FREE when you sign up for our newsletter below.

Wi-Fi 6E Support

The current HomePod mini still uses Wi-Fi 4. The new model is expected to leapfrog to Wi-Fi 6E, offering faster, more stable connections and lower latency, great for audio streaming.

Better Chip for Siri and Responsiveness

The current HomePod mini runs on the aging S5 chip. The new version might get the S7, S8, S9, or even S10 chip, borrowed from Apple Watch models. The S9 and S10 are based on the A15 chip, so that would mean noticeably faster performance and improved voice response.

Improved Sound and Microphones

Apple is likely to tweak the internal audio setup to boost clarity, bass, and microphone accuracy, though it’s not expected to be a massive leap.

Will HomePod mini 2 Support Apple Intelligence?

Unlikely. Apple Intelligence requires the A17 Pro chip or better. For a $99 speaker, that’s too expensive. So don’t expect features like on-device generative AI or a smarter Siri out of the box. And with the new Siri delayed, Apple may be holding off on deep AI integrations for now.

Additional Smart Features to Expect

Just like how Apple quietly enabled temperature and humidity sensors two years after launch, we might see more sensors or features that remain dormant until a future software update. Perhaps something like ambient detection to adjust audio levels automatically.

A portable battery or support for lossless Hi-Res audio would be nice, but there are no credible leaks suggesting those are in the works.

Color Refresh

The first HomePod mini launched in White and Space Gray, with Blue, Yellow, and Orange added later. Recently, the company replaced the Space Gray option with a darker Midnight finish.

For the HomePod mini 2, Apple is expected to offer some new color options. While fans hope to see brighter and more playful colors like green, red, or purple, there haven’t been any leaks confirming what Apple has planned.

HomePod mini 2 Release Date

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously claimed mass production was scheduled for the second half of 2024, which didn’t happen. However, Mark Gurman expects it to be announced in 2025, most likely alongside the iPhone 17. That said, no concrete leaks have confirmed the timeline yet.

Here’s a Timeline of HomePod mini 2 Leaks Happened So Far

This timeline provides a clear view of how leaks have evolved. These entries are listed in reverse chronological order (newest at the top). Keep in mind, leaks can sometimes contradict one another—we’ll only know the truth once Apple officially reveals the product.

Note: These leaks may sometimes contain contradictory information, as different sources provide varying accounts. We can only be certain once the device is officially released to the public.

iOS 18 Code Leak Confirms New “Proxima” Chip for HomePod mini 2

July 8, 2025

An internal iOS 18 build leak revealed Apple’s upcoming “Proxima” chip—its first in-house Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combo chip. It’s expected to power the next Apple TV and HomePod mini 2, replacing the Broadcom chip. The chip should support Wi-Fi 6E or even Wi-Fi 7, enabling faster speeds and improved smart home performance.

iOS 26 Adds Crossfade and Wi-Fi Selection to HomePod

June 25, 2025

With iOS 26 and HomePod Software 26, Apple added Crossfade support to HomePods for smoother music transitions. Users can now set fade durations between 1 and 12 seconds in Apple Music settings within the Home app. A new feature also lets users manually select Wi-Fi networks for HomePods—something previously unavailable. These features are expected to work with the upcoming HomePod mini 2.

HomePod mini 2 Expected Between September and November 2025

January 12, 2025

Mark Gurman reported Apple is targeting a late 2025 launch for the new HomePod mini and Apple TV—likely between September and November. Both devices will include Apple’s custom Wi-Fi + Bluetooth chip with Wi-Fi 6E support. The new HomePod mini may also feature faster performance, improved sound, and new color options.

HomePod mini 2 Scheduled for 2025 With Custom Wi-Fi Chip

December 12, 2024

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple plans to launch a new HomePod mini and a refreshed Apple TV in 2025. Both devices will feature Apple’s first in-house Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip and are expected before September. The chip will boost data syncing and smart home performance.

HomePod mini 2 Mass Production Timeline Leak

February 2, 2023

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed Apple would begin mass production of the HomePod mini 2 in the second half of 2024. Supplier Goertek reportedly secured the NPI (New Product Introduction) and assembly orders. However, this contradicts Gurman’s earlier statement that Apple wasn’t actively working on a refresh at the time.