6 Things to Expect From the HomePod Mini 2

Nick Papanikolopoulos

August 12, 2025

Apple’s original HomePod mini dropped almost five years ago—yeah, feels like ages, right? Now, with whispers about a second-gen version floating around, it’s time to ask: what might this new HomePod mini bring to the table? Here’s a rundown of six things to keep an eye on regarding the HomePod Mini 2, based on the latest reports and some educated guesses.

A Smarter Smart Home Player?

Mark Gurman from Bloomberg mentioned that the HomePod Mini 2 will tie in closely with Apple’s fresh smart home ecosystem—kind of like the next Apple TV. That makes sense, given how Apple’s been pushing the whole “connected home” thing lately. But here’s where it gets a bit fuzzy: will Siri get any major upgrades on this model? It’s not clear yet. Unlike some rumors about an all-new smart home hub from Apple, this HomePod mini probably won’t get the “Apple Intelligence” boost. So maybe don’t expect a dramatic jump in voice smarts, but it should still fit nicely into your smart home setup.

New Chip, New Tricks

The current HomePod mini runs on the S5 chip—yeah, the same one from the Apple Watch Series 5 back in 2019. That’s kinda old news now. The new model will likely have a fresher chip, maybe the S9 or even the S10, which are beefed-up versions with better performance and efficiency. Apple might even throw in the rumored S11 if it’s ready, but that’s speculation.

Why does this matter? Well, a newer chip means better audio processing and responsiveness, which could translate to crisper sound and quicker reactions. Of course, Apple tunes these chips for low power use since the HomePod mini’s always on. So, hopefully, you get both power and efficiency.

Apple’s Own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Inside

Something interesting Gurman points out is that the next HomePod mini might come with an Apple-designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip. Right now, it uses Wi-Fi 4, which is kinda dated. The upgrade? Wi-Fi 6E. This means faster speeds and less lag, but—and here’s the kicker—you need a compatible router to really see those benefits. So, unless your home network is up to date, you might not notice a huge difference right away.

Ultra Wideband: More Than Just a Buzzword?

Apple introduced the Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip with the iPhone 15 lineup. Now, the HomePod mini might get the second-generation UWB chip. What’s that good for? Better spatial awareness, so your HomePod mini knows exactly where your device is in the room. This could improve Handoff features, maybe even let paired HomePods auto-adjust sound when you move one. Sounds cool on paper, but how much it will matter in daily use? Hard to say.

Sound Quality—Can It Get Any Better?

The original HomePod mini’s sound is decent for its size—a single driver with passive radiators, pushing sound 360 degrees. But, honestly, it’s no audiophile’s dream. Apple could jazz things up by adding a second driver for better stereo, improving the driver design for richer bass, or tweaking the acoustic waveguide.

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Of course, it’s a balancing act: keeping the mini’s size while trying to get better sound is tricky. Still, with a new chip and possible hardware upgrades, maybe the HomePod mini 2 will sound noticeably better—though maybe don’t expect miracles.

New Colors? Probably.

Apple loves its color options. The current HomePod mini comes in blue, yellow, midnight, orange, and white. It’s almost a given the new version will have fresh colors, but no one knows what yet. Maybe pastels? Something more muted? I guess we’ll find out when Apple finally pulls the curtain back.

When Will It Show Up?

Gurman also suggested Apple is aiming for a release “toward the end of the year,” so sometime between September and December seems likely. That fits with Apple’s usual fall schedule for new products. Of course, delays happen, but if you’re itching to upgrade your smart speaker, the wait might not be too long.

So, that’s the gist of what the HomePod Mini 2 could bring—new chip, better Wi-Fi, maybe improved sound, and tighter smart home integration. Nothing earth-shattering, but enough to keep Apple fans interested.

I guess, though, the big question is: will it be enough to compete with other smart speakers that have been catching up lately? Apple’s ecosystem advantage is real, but sound and smart features need to keep pace too.

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