We're rather fond of the little Apple HomePod Mini wireless smart speaker, but it's been quite a while since the original model appeared, and speculation abounds that a HomePod Mini 2 is in the works.
There were rumours that it could have launched last year, and then again in August 2025, when sources suggested that a HomePod Mini 2 could be on the way. MacRumours claimed that a reference to a new Mini with Apple's refreshed S-series chip had been discovered in some Apple code, so we were braced for an official launch as part of the big 'Apple Event' on 9th September.
It wasn't to be. Once again, the HomePod Mini 2, along with the HomePod 2, failed to materialise, leaving us scratching our heads and wondering if we'd ever see another Apple smart speaker launch in our lifetime (ok, that's a bit of an exaggeration).
We're certainly due an upgrade, so the timing made sense. It has now been around five years since the original HomePod Mini launched, cramming in great sound quality into a smaller and more affordable form than its larger HomePod sibling.
While both of these – and the later HomePod 2 – received five-star reviews and are highly recommended for their great sound and iOS integration, it's high time we saw a new HomePod model considering how long they've both been on the market.
Apple HomePod Mini 2: release date rumours
The disappointment of a no-show on 9th September has left us floundering a little, so it's time to look at Apple's general release patterns to get an idea of any forthcoming launches.
One of the best ways to try and determine a release date, rumours apart, is to look at past launches. In the case of Apple, it was way back in October 2020 that the first HomePod Mini was announced.
Between the original HomePod release in 2018 and the updated HomePod 2 in 2022, there was a four year wait. With that in mind we would expect the Mini 2 to arrive in 2025, so tomorrow as a potential launch date makes a lot of sense.
According to serial tech predictor and all-round Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, we were expecting to see Apple begin shipping the HomePod Mini 2 in the second half of 2024, but that clearly didn't happen.
The better bet is that the new Mini will arrive alongside a new HomePod 3 with a screen, which is meant to have a with a 7-inch display, with more recent rumours and outlets, including 9to5Mac and MacRumours, all pointing to the latter-end of 2025 as the most likely time.
Apple HomePod Mini 2: price predictions
The original Apple HomePod Mini was priced at £99/$99 making it a very competitive small speaker, especially when you consider Apple's usually high price tags. In classic Apple fashion, expect the next model either to sit at the same price or to climb ever so slightly as new features are added.
Since the new model is rumoured to feature a more advanced chipset, the price might jump a little – although not by much as Apple wants to keep this competitive in the small-speaker space. Indeed, because of that, we wouldn't be surprised to see the price stay under £100/$100.
If Apple does decide to infuse the HomePod Mini with upgraded drivers, a new design or even more features, however, we think breaching that barrier – to £120/$150 maybe? – would be possible, as long as the performance was worthwhile.
That said, Apple didn't bump the cost of its recently unveiled AirPods Pro 3, suggesting it may be keeping prices stable in a bid to entice customers who have become sick of ever-rising costs.
Apple HomePod Mini 2: new design?
While the HomePod Mini is a well-designed speaker, which finds a balance between compact form and wide-reaching audio function, we'd expect changes to the new model. One such evolution is expected to come in the form of external aesthetics, and it seems that Apple might refresh the colour options with more to pick from.
Current options include Space Gray, Blue, Yellow, White or Orange, but the likes of 9to5Mac and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggest that new finishes, such as a Red option, could be on the way to live alongside the established line-up.
The chipset is another area expected to see updates. The current Mini features an S5 chip as featured in the Apple Watch Series 5, but with the new model, rumours suggest that it will be the same upgraded S10 chip as found in the latest generations of the Apple Watch.
That could be paired with better WiFi 6E support, lower-latency connectivity and an improved microphone setup. All of that could allow for better Siri integration – a feature Apple is always eager to push. Again, the likes of 9to5Mac and MacRumours seem to think that such upgrades are incoming, with some even speculating that the new chip could push things beyond 6E to WiFi 7.
As of 2025, there are even more advanced technologies rapidly launching, and we expect Apple Intelligence (its version of AI) to be integrated along with stronger Siri powers in the next HomePod Mini, much like the HomePod with a screen.
Apple HomePod Mini 2: 4 features we'd like to see
The current HomePod Mini improved on many of the HomePod features and even the second generation HomePod 2 hasn't added much new above what this offers. Yet we still have hopes for some improvements in the next-gen model:
1. Lower latency and Bluetooth
One easy way to improve on the already decent for the price audio performance is to work on latency. Since most audio is coming to the speaker over wi-fi, an improvement on that tech can't hurt.
Not only will this allow for a better audio performance but an upgrade to WiFi 6E or WiFi 7 could also mean a greater range which allows you more options when placing this speaker in your home. Bluetooth would also be a welcome addition for direct playback from most smartphones and tablets.
2. Better microphones and native Spotify/Tidal Siri
While the current model works well at picking up voices, a few more mics for an even more impressive audio perception can't hurt. Using Siri is part of what makes this speaker so accessible, but when the music is playing loudly or there is background noise, it can affect pick-up on commands.
Enhancing that can mean a more seamless communication with the speaker for greater ease and less reaching for the phone to control everything. Native Siri support for Spotify and/or Tidal would be a great option here too.
3. Enhanced audio and support
While the audio performance on the current model does well for the price, there is still room for improvement. Technology has moved along since the original release and Apple's use of Spatial Audio, for example, has really come on.
While we would like to see enhanced speakers to widen the soundstage of this small speaker, the upgrade of the tech inside for greater software smarts would also be a welcome inclusion to get a better audio performance overall. All that backed by more third-party apps support would also be most welcome.
4. Fresh colours and buttons
New colours are an easy way for Apple to add something fresh to a model that can then stand out from the previous generation. So while we would like to see more big changes – a screen, perhaps? – realistically fresh colours are a likely expectation without breaking the bank on price.
A physical mute button would also be a welcome change, as its currently app-only.
MORE:
Apple HomePod 2 vs HomePod Mini: what are the differences?
Read our HomePod Mini review
And our Apple HomePod 2 review
Our pick of the best wireless speakers you can buy right now
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
