Apple announced the HomePod mini 2 on October 13, 2026, featuring the S10 chip, enhanced computational audio, and support for upcoming Siri AI features. Priced at $149 in the U.S. and £149 in the UK, the updated compact smart speaker begins shipping in stores on October 30.
Six years after releasing the original compact smart speaker, Apple has updated its entry-level audio lineup. The HomePod mini 2 retains the familiar spherical design of its predecessor while introducing a faster processor, updated wireless connectivity, and new LED lighting effects that respond directly to music playback across five color options.
Apple S10 Chip Powers Enhanced Computational Audio
Beneath the familiar exterior, the new hardware replaces the older S5 processor with the Apple S10 chip originally introduced in the Apple Watch Series 10. This upgrade powers enhanced computational audio that analyzes music in real time to optimize dynamic range, loudness, and acoustic performance through a full-range driver and dual passive radiators.
At Apple “experience” in NYC. No pre-recorded presentation. Just an in-person presentation. First up, HomePod Mini 2. pic.twitter.com/1it9s2JYDE
HomePod mini 2 brings together Siri AI, gorgeous new colors, and incredible audio,
said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Home Product Marketing, highlighting the combination of the updated smart assistant, fresh visual options, and acoustic improvements.
However, the headline feature requires patience. While Apple heavily promotes the integration of Siri AI, the assistant will not be active when the hardware arrives on doorsteps. According to launch announcements, the upgraded assistant will arrive in a future software update at no additional charge.
Apple is expected to announce the HomePod mini 2 tomorrow at its "Welcome Home" product launch 🚨It will likely begin shipping on October 30 pic.twitter.com/v0t9OVlOAv
Without a companion device nearby, the standalone speaker benefits from broader world knowledge and improved music discovery once the software patch is installed, but personalized contextual tasks remain tied to Apple’s broader device ecosystem.
English support for the smart assistant will roll out initially across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, India, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Africa.
HomePod mini has a new version Apple calls the next generation and it features Siri AI, you can use them together with Apple TV and 4 HomePod minis as surround sound with the new Apple TV. They also have a new SoundGlow feature that lets you visually see the music. There are… pic.twitter.com/Xq6GHKj4X9
Luminous Display Pulses to Music and Album Art
Aside from producing sound, the top surface of the smart speaker acts as a luminous display that pulses and shifts alongside the music, responding dynamically to both treble and bass. Tailored lighting that matches each track is created by the current song’s album art from Now Playing, while listeners can also select environmental soundscapes like rain to launch custom animations for a relaxing mood.
The device is offered in five colors: pink, green, blue, white, and midnight. In addition to aesthetic updates, the speaker incorporates environmental improvements, utilizing 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets, recycled copper, recycled gold plating, and recycled tin solder on Apple-designed printed circuit boards.
Pricing Adjustments Across Global Markets
The hardware refresh brings a noticeable price increase compared to the end-of-life cost of the first-generation model. In the United States, the HomePod mini 2 carries a starting price of $149, sitting $20 above the previous iteration’s final $129 retail tag and higher than its original $99 launch cost.
International buyers face comparable pricing structures. In the UK, the device is listed at £149, while Canadian customers can pre-order the speaker for $199 CAD. In India, the smart speaker is priced at Rs. 18,900. Pre-orders opened immediately following the October 13 announcement, with official in-store availability set for Friday, October 30.
Four Speaker Configuration Enables Surround Sound Playback
Beyond standard music playback and smart home management, the updated hardware expands utility for computer workstations and living rooms.
For home entertainment setups, the system supports a four-speaker configuration when paired with a fourth-generation Apple TV 4K running the latest operating system software. Apple notes that this multi-speaker arrangement can automatically detect each unit’s position in a room to calibrate audio timing and levels for surround sound playback.
Apple announces the next generation of HomePod mini with support for Siri AI, beautiful new colors, and rich soundWith a profoundly more capable and conversational Siri AI, new ways to enjoy music, and a more immersive home theater experience, HomePod mini does more than ever… pic.twitter.com/no7MVg9mvh
Existing hardware owners should note strict pairing limitations. Apple requires matching device models for stereo pairing, meaning original first-generation HomePod minis cannot be combined with the new second-generation units to form a stereo channel.
More on HomePod mini 2
HomePod mini 2- Siri AI coming in future update- "Sound glow" syncs with music- 4 speaker surround with TV – 5 colors: pink, green, blue, white, and midnight- $149 Pre-Order today, comes Oct 30 pic.twitter.com/sNutUPGYnS