Three years ago, at the "Hi, Speed" event, Apple unveiled the HomePod Mini, a compact smart speaker. Launched alongside the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, this diminutive device marked Apple's entry into the world of small form-factor smart speakers.
HomePod Mini on its Early Days
Released on November 16, 2020, the HomePod Mini, the smart speaker reigned as Apple's sole smart speaker in the lineup. The reason why it's the only one existing is because the Cupertino giant discontinued the production of the original HomePod.
The HomePod mini remained the solitary representative in the lineup until earlier this year when Apple reintroduced the full-sized HomePod.
Glimpse of Revamped HomePod's Features
According to MacRumors, the reimagined HomePod packs an impressive array of features, some of which were previously exclusive to the HomePod Mini . These include the Apple Watch S-series chip, a U1 ultra-wideband chip, Thread support, a temperature and humidity sensor, and a larger backlit touch surface that illuminates from edge to edge.
In 2021, Apple refreshed the HomePod Mini with vibrant color options, introducing Blue, Yellow, and Orange variants. Since then, it has retained its original design.
Despite being a pocket-sized marvel, it's now among Apple's older offerings, surpassed only by the Pro Display XDR and second-generation Apple Pencil.
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What Lies Ahead for the HomePod Mini?
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman hinted at Apple's work on a second-generation HomePod Mini last August 2022. According to the source, here are the new features that could likely arrive on the next-gen smart speaker.
- Lower-Latency Handoff with Ultra Wideband: The introduction of a second-generation ultra-wideband chip could pave the way for a seamless Handoff experience.
- Sound and Microphone Improvements: Enhanced sound quality and microphone capabilities could offer an elevated user experience.
- Advanced Chipsets: The adoption of S7, S8, S9, or S10 chips could boost the HomePod Mini's performance and responsiveness. The S9 chip, as seen in the Apple Watch Series 9, showcases significant improvements.
- Wi-Fi 6E Support: The new HomePod Mini may bring Wi-Fi 6E support, catering to the need for faster and more reliable connections.
On top of that, the refreshed HomePod Mini could also see a change in its color palette. The current options include Space Gray, Blue, Yellow, White, and Orange.
Apple's history of color updates, as seen in the full-size HomePod lineup, suggests that a similar switch in color choices could be on the horizon.
Anticipated Release of Next-Gen HomePod Mini
Earlier this year, we reported that Apple scrapped its plans to release the second-gen HomePod Mini.
Ming-Chi Kuo, a renowned Apple analyst, claims that the Cupertino titan will start the shipments of the next-gen HomePod Mini by the second half of 2024.
It is expected that the updated HomePod will arrive with a 7-inch display, per Kuo. This is likely based on Apple's roadmap about this product. While this new device is expected to launch next year at the earliest, Apple's strategy for these launches remains intriguing.
Meanwhile, the brand-new Apple TV feature was introduced to HomePod Mini, per Phone Arena.
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