Apple has introduced the $149 HomePod mini 2, adding support for four-speaker surround sound with Apple TV 4K (4th generation) and a new music-responsive lighting feature called Sound Glow. Pre-orders open today in the U.S. and more than 23 other countries and regions, with stores scheduled to begin selling the speaker on Friday, October 30. Siri AI is planned for a later free software update.
The surround sound setup requires four speakers arranged as matching front and rear pairs, using HomePod mini 2 or HomePod (2nd generation), plus the latest operating system software on the compatible Apple TV 4K. Apple says the system determines where each speaker sits and adjusts playback timing and volume to suit the room. The $149 price buys one speaker.
Siri AI initially requires the home’s owner to have an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad with current software, Siri AI enabled and a supported language selected. Apple plans English availability in eight markets, including the U.S., UK, India and Australia. After activation, household members without an Apple Intelligence-enabled device can use its conversational features, general knowledge and improved music discovery, according to Apple.
Requests involving personal information require a paired Apple Intelligence-enabled device with Siri AI enabled in a supported language. Apple says the assistant can retrieve a song recommendation from a text message, find a recipe in email and create reminders connected to calendar events or locations. Voice recognition supports up to six household members.
The speaker uses Apple’s S10 chip to adjust audio as music plays and supports stereo pairing and playback across multiple rooms. Sound Glow changes the lighting on top of the speaker in response to bass, treble and colors drawn from album artwork. Controlling Sound Glow by voice requires an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone with current software.
HomePod mini 2 can also handle Mac audio, provided the computer supports Wi-Fi 6E or newer, using one speaker or a stereo pair. Color choices are blue, green, midnight, pink and white. The speaker supports HomePod software 27.2.
Apple opened developer submissions for its version 27 operating systems in September, including software for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV. Additional Siri AI languages were also scheduled for October.
