Gurman: Apple Not Working on New HomePod Mini

Apple is likely not working on a new version of the HomePod mini smart speaker, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

homepod mini thumb feature
In the latest edition of his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman explained that he believes Apple is not "actively working" on a successor to the ‌HomePod mini‌:

After the debut of a new full-sized HomePod, many users started asking about an update to the mini model. But at this point, I don't believe that Apple is actively working on such as product. The latest HomePod doesn't include any major new functions that aren't already in the $99 mini, so there isn't an obvious reason to update the model. Sure, it would be nice to get more colors, a cheaper price, and better sound and microphones, but the real improvements probably need to be made on the back end — with Siri and app integration.

The ‌HomePod mini‌ was announced in October 2020 at Apple's iPhone 12 event. Less than half a year later, Apple discontinued the original HomePod, leaving the ‌HomePod mini‌ as the company's only smart speaker until this week when Apple relaunched the full-size HomePod form factor.

The newly reintroduced ‌HomePod‌ offers a large number of features that were previously exclusive to the ‌HomePod mini‌, including an 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 August 2022, Gurman said that Apple was considering launching an updated version of the HomePod mini in the future, but he did not provide a specific timeframe or details about potential new features. He said the update was unlikely to be "super-impressive," suggesting any changes to the ‌HomePod‌'s smaller sibling would be minor, but those plans now seem to have been shelved.

Related Roundup: HomePod mini
Buyer's Guide: HomePod Mini (Caution)

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Top Rated Comments

Dwalls90 Avatar
29 months ago
Obviously as Apple enthusiasts we get excited about product updates, but I think we all need to realize that not every product needs to or should be upgraded ever year "just because". I think for Apple to take their home devices (Apple TV, HomePod, HomeKit, Home app, etc.) to the next level, it really needs to be a software push.
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
29 months ago
Apple seriously needs to consider lowering the price of the HomePod Mini to $49.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dantracht Avatar
29 months ago

Apple seriously needs to consider lowering the price of the HomePod Mini to $49.
And the HomePod down to $199.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
djcerla Avatar
29 months ago

Only thing I think they were looking to improve in the Mini was the sound quality. It's absolutely atrocious for audio. By audio I mean music. Its ok for radio and podcasts and surprisingly ok for TV sound within a small room.
Atrocious, it’s not.

I replaced a Bose (battery too expensive & complex to replace) with a Mini. Bass, the Bose was better. But midrange and highs, the HomePod wins hands down. Also, apparently the sound had improved somewhat after the update.

The OG HomePod was never released in Italy, much to my chagrin, so as soon as I saw the preorder I jumped in.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dantracht Avatar
29 months ago
Strange strategy. On one hand what else does it need besides more stable HomeKit software? On the other hand, will it be left to whither on the vine like the iPod touch? Between this news and the downright lazy “update” to its big brother, I feel like it may be the second option
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MacFan23 Avatar
29 months ago

Strange strategy. On one hand what else does it need besides more stable HomeKit software? On the other hand, will it be left to whither on the vine like the iPod touch? Between this news and the downright lazy “update” to its big brother, I feel like it may be the second option
I think like you said, it does what it needs to do.

I'm not one of those people who's incredibly down on Siri but I think all they really need to do is have a smarted voice assistant.

That and double as a speaker or pair of speakers for a Mac in a home office environment.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)