Apple introduces HomePod mini 2 for $149 with Sound Glow lighting
Apple has introduced the HomePod mini 2, featuring music-reactive lighting and surround sound support via Apple TV 4K. The speaker is equipped with a new S10 processor and the Siri AI intelligent assistant, though the AI capabilities will only become available following a software update.
Design and Sound
Externally, the HomePod mini 2 is virtually indistinguishable from its predecessor. The speaker retains its spherical body with an acoustically transparent fabric finish and a touch control panel on top. It measures 84.3 mm in height, 97.9 mm in diameter, and weighs 335 grams.
Inside is the Apple S10 processor, which processes audio in real time, adjusting dynamic range, volume, and acoustic parameters. The acoustic system includes a full-range driver, two passive radiators, and a custom waveguide for 360° sound dispersion. Three microphones are provided for voice control.
The main visual innovation is the Sound Glow feature. The top panel of the speaker changes colors and pulses to the beat of the music, reacting to low and high frequencies. The color palette is automatically selected based on the album art of the track being played. Light animations are also available for background sounds, such as rain. Voice control for the lighting requires an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone.
Connectivity and Surround Sound
The HomePod mini 2 supports stereo pairs and multi-room audio via AirPlay. Additionally, it is now possible to create a surround sound system using four speakers when connected to a fourth-generation Apple TV 4K.
This configuration requires two matched pairs of HomePod mini 2 or second-generation HomePod units, positioned at the front and rear. The system automatically detects the placement of the speakers in the room and adjusts latency and volume levels.
Another new feature is the ability to use the HomePod mini 2 as the primary speaker system for a Mac for movies, games, and video calls, including FaceTime. Connecting a single speaker or a stereo pair is supported, but the feature requires a Mac with Wi-Fi 6E or newer.
Wireless interfaces include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6, Thread, and Ultra Wideband. Smart home devices with Matter and HomeKit are also supported.
Siri AI and the smart home
The updated Siri AI is built on Apple Foundation Models and will be able to support more natural dialogue, answer questions using information from the internet, and execute complex user commands.
The assistant recognizes the voices of six users and, if a compatible iPhone or iPad is present, accesses their personal data. For example, Siri will be able to find a song a friend recommended in a message, create a reminder based on a calendar event, or add ingredients from a recipe to a shopping list.
Personalized requests will require a device with Apple Intelligence. However, once the homeowner activates Siri AI, other users will be able to use the assistant’s general capabilities even without their own compatible iPhone or iPad.
Request processing involves local computation and the Private Cloud Compute system. Apple states that user data is not stored or made accessible to the company during cloud processing.
However, Siri AI will not be available at the launch of the HomePod mini 2. It will be added later via a free update. Initially, support will be limited to English in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, India, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Africa. EU countries are not included in this list, and the date for expanded availability is currently unknown.
The HomePod mini 2 also functions as a smart home hub. The speaker allows you to control lighting, locks, thermostats, and other compatible devices, while built-in sensors measure temperature and humidity.
The Sound Recognition feature detects smoke and carbon monoxide alarm signals and sends notifications to your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. However, Apple warns that this feature should not be used as a substitute for a specialized security system.
The speaker also supports video doorbells and cameras with HomeKit Secure Video. With facial recognition enabled, Siri can announce who is at the front door.
Pricing and availability
The HomePod mini 2 is available in five colors: white, pink, green, blue, and midnight. The box includes the speaker, a power cable, and a 20W USB-C power adapter.
The price is $149 in the U.S. and €169 in Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.
Pre-orders opened on October 13, 2026. Retail sales will begin on October 30. At launch, the speaker will run on HomePod software 27.2.
