Is the HomePod Mini a Good Gift Still? Here's What to Consider

At $99 in the U.S., the HomePod mini is a more affordable gift option for Apple enthusiasts. However, the speaker was released just over four years ago, so you may be wondering if it is still worth purchasing or if you should hold off.

homepod mini thumb feature
Below, we outline three things to take into consideration.

First, there have been rumors about a HomePod mini 2, but none of them are recent.

The firmest rumor came from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Back in February 2023, he said mass shipments of a new HomePod mini would begin in the second half of 2024. However, heading into the final month of the year, it is unclear if that production has actually started or if it will soon. There has been no talk about a HomePod mini 2 being imminent, so a launch seems unlikely until 2025 at the earliest, barring a surprise announcement.

Kuo did not reveal any new features planned for the next HomePod mini, but potential upgrades could include a newer chip for improved audio, a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for a lower-latency Handoff experience, and new color options. The current HomePod mini is equipped with an S5 chip and a U1 chip.

While the HomePod mini has received no major hardware upgrades since it was released in November 2020, Apple has refreshed its color options a few times. The speaker was released in Blue, Orange, and Yellow in November 2021, and Space Gray was replaced with a virtually-identical Midnight finish in July of this year.

The second thing to take into consideration is that Apple reportedly plans to release an all-new smart home hub as early as March 2025. The hub is expected to feature around a 6-inch display that can be attached to a tabletop base with a speaker, so the device could essentially be a more useful alternative to the HomePod mini. It has been predicted that the hub could be priced in the $199 to $299 range, so an Apple gift card that someone could use towards that device next year is another idea to consider.

Third, Siri is widely considered to be an inferior digital assistant compared to the likes of Amazon's Alexa and Google's Assistant. It's something to keep in mind depending on how much your giftee plans to use voice commands.

If you do go ahead with gifting a HomePod mini this year, that is a fine choice too. The speaker is a bit outdated now, but it remains an adequate speaker for its price, and it will continue to serve its purpose for several years.

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

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Top Rated Comments

pheonix320 Avatar
13 weeks ago
when my HomePod mini is playing music or a podcast, if I ask it to turn the volume up, it always responds with:
“I’ll speak louder”

It won’t do the most basic functions
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
con2apple Avatar
13 weeks ago
No, no and no again.

The article doesn't say whether the HomePod mini is a good choice. The article helps to keep you unhappy as a reader. Addicted to the latest products and always spending money.

You want to know if the HomePod mini is a good gift?
First of all, it is an inexpensive HomeKit control center. The successor will be more cost more.
Secondly, it's a nice speaker that can do just that: Play music. Both via Internet or with AirPlay.
It is available in many colors and therefore fits into almost any interior.
The HomePod mini has a temperature and humidity sensor for IFTT.

Is it what you or the recipient want or what he would be happy with?
Then buy.

Don't hope for something that doesn't yet exist.
Hopes and expectations will only make you unhappy. It doesn't matter whether you buy the new device or the old one.

Don't buy the latest product, which is often described as obsolete by Macrumors even before release. Buy what suits your needs.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mrkevinfinnerty Avatar
13 weeks ago

No, no and no again.

The article doesn't say whether the HomePod mini is a good choice. The article helps to keep you unhappy as a reader. Addicted to the latest products and always spending money.

You want to know if the HomePod mini is a good gift?
First of all, it is an inexpensive HomeKit control center. The successor will be more cost more.
Secondly, it's a nice speaker that can do just that: Play music. Both via Internet or with AirPlay.
It is available in many colors and therefore fits into almost any interior.
The HomePod mini has a temperature and humidity sensor for IFTT.

Is it what you or the recipient want or what he would be happy with?
Then buy.

Don't hope for something that doesn't yet exist.
Hopes and expectations will only make you unhappy. It doesn't matter whether you buy the new device or the old one.

Don't buy the latest product, which is often described as obsolete by Macrumors even before release. Buy what suits your needs.
The new one comes in midnight though




Attachment Image
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macmac30 Avatar
13 weeks ago

when my HomePod mini is playing music or a podcast, if I ask it to turn the volume up, it always responds with:
“I’ll speak louder”

It won’t do the most basic functions
EXACTLY!!! I often wonder, who in the hell is in charge of programming this thing? Do they even use it in their homes??? 99.9% of the time, I want to play music louder or softer. I am left confused when I say "Siri, volume up" and she responds with "I'll speak louder..." WTF Apple???
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
numenorian Avatar
13 weeks ago
Solid airplay speaker for the price, but IMO worthless as a "smart" speaker. Way behind what Siri can do on your phone and obviously that will only get worse as Apple Intelligence progresses.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple247 Avatar
13 weeks ago
The engineers have been working feverishly since June to add the new Siri edge glow, which will be the only new feature. There will be Kim K editions in various skin tones. And Apple will delay the release to coincide with iOS 19.4.

(jk obv)
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)