Our six-year wait for a new HomePod Mini might finally be coming to an end.
According to multiple online sources, including MacRumours and 9to5mac, Apple has been working on a major overhaul of its Home lineup: one that will not only include entirely new product lines, but the return of some of its most popular smart speakers.
That includes, at long last, a sequel to 2020's five-star HomePod Mini.
According to MacRumors, the firm's newly released macOS 26.7 release candidate beta software includes codenames referencing a number of unreleased products. One of those codenames was 'B525', and as the current HomePod Mini has the code 'B520', this would imply a second-gen sequel to the five-star smart speaker.
We also have references to 'HomeAccessory17,2' and 'HomeAccessory17,3', but it isn't currently known what these might be. As they are listed as a pair, it seems unlikely that either one refers to the HomePod 3, so they could be anything from home security cameras to smart doorbells.
Don't despair, HomePod 2 fans. According to 9to5mac, Apple is set to unveil a whopping 10 products during its September launch event, with two of those new products including the HomePod Mini 2 and, thankfully, a sequel to the HomePod 2.
Evidence for the third-gen mainline HomePod does seem a little sketchier, but it would make sense for Apple to update both of its established smart speakers at the same time. Apple has already lifted the lid on its AirPods with a camera via a leaked video, so it does seem that major launches are to arrive next month.
Apple has reportedly been delaying potential unveilings until it has its new Siri and Apple Intelligence features working, so it would make sense that both HomePods are ready to go, pending those improvements to Apple's own AI systems.
We've speculated before that, aside from upgraded Apple Intelligence for improved Siri performance, we might potentially see improved microphones, enhanced audio, better codec support and even some new colourways if one or more HomePods are set to arrive in 2026.
Prices are yet to be leaked, but hope springs eternal that Apple doesn't hike the price of the Mini's original £99 / $99 / AU$149 RRP for the second-gen sequel.
As for a concrete release date, all eyes now turn to Apple's September showcase event, which is expected to happen on the 9th of September.
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