Apple Unveils HomePod mini 2 With Siri AI Support and New Audio Features

Apple has unveiled HomePod mini 2, updating its compact smart speaker with new colors and expanded audio features. Siri AI support will arrive through a future software update.

Siri AI

Built on the latest generation of Apple Foundation Models, the assistant will bring personal context and app actions to the speaker, along with conversational responses, web knowledge, and improved music discovery.

Voice recognition supports up to six household members. When paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad, the speaker can use personal information to find a song recommended in a message, locate a recipe in an email, set a reminder tied to a calendar event or location, or add ingredients to a grocery list.

Enabling Siri AI requires the owner of the home in the Home app to have an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad running the latest software, with the assistant turned on and set to a supported language. Personal context requests also require a paired Apple Intelligence-enabled device with Siri AI turned on and set to a supported language. Once enabled on the speaker, other users can access general knowledge, conversations, and music discovery even without their own Apple Intelligence-enabled device.

The update will be free and support English in the U.S., Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, and the UK. Siri AI will not initially be available on iPhone or iPad in the European Union.

Requests can be processed on the device or through Private Cloud Compute, where Apple says data is not stored or made accessible to the company or anyone else. Some features using server-side models have daily usage limits, with expanded access to be offered for a fee in the future.

Audio and Sound Glow

The S10 chip powers computational audio that analyzes music in real time to adjust dynamic range, loudness, and acoustic performance. The speaker delivers 360-degree sound and can be used on its own, in a stereo pair, or as part of a multiroom setup.

Four-speaker surround sound uses four HomePod mini 2 or HomePod (2nd generation) speakers arranged in matching front and rear pairs, connected to an Apple TV 4K (4th generation) running the latest operating system software. The system recognizes each speaker's position and automatically calibrates audio timing and levels to the room.

Mac users can also set the speaker as their default audio output for movies, games, FaceTime, and other video calls. This works with a single speaker or stereo pair on Macs with Wi-Fi 6E or later.

Sound Glow makes the top surface pulse with music, responding to bass and treble while drawing colors from the song's album artwork. Soundscapes such as rain have their own animations. Voice control for the feature requires an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone running the latest software.

Smart Home Features

As a home hub, the speaker supports voice commands, scenes, and automations for compatible accessories, including locks, garage doors, blinds, thermostats, and lights. The Home app also provides remote control when users are away. Accessories are sold separately.

Sound Recognition can notify an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch when it detects a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm. Users can then check in through the Home app to listen and speak to someone at home. The feature requires the updated Home architecture and the latest software on all devices accessing the home; it should not be relied on in emergencies or situations where someone could be harmed.

With HomeKit Secure Video and Face Recognition enabled, compatible cameras and doorbells can identify visitors for the speaker to announce. These include Apple Home Collection accessories, which begin arriving in December, with select products following in early 2027.

Recycled Materials

The hardware uses 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets, plus 100 percent recycled copper, gold plating, and tin solder in all Apple-designed printed circuit boards. U.S. retail packaging is entirely fiber-based by weight, excluding adhesives, inks, and coatings.

Pricing and Availability

HomePod mini 2 costs $149 in the U.S. and is available to pre-order today through Apple's online store and the Apple Store app in the U.S. and more than 23 other countries and regions. Pink, green, blue, white, and midnight are the five color options, with store availability beginning Friday, October 30. The speaker is compatible with HomePod software 27.2.