With a price of 109 euros in Spain, the HomePod mini It is positioned as an attractive and affordable option for lovers of the Apple ecosystem, who want to centralize their home automation. However, as it is a device launched four years ago, it is reasonable to wonder if it is still a recommended purchase in 2024 or if it is better to wait.
These are three key considerations before making a decision.
There are rumors about a possible HomePod mini 2
There has been speculation for a long time about the arrival of a second generation of the HomePod mini, but the strongest rumors date back almost two years. In February 2023, well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo assured that Apple could begin shipping a new model in the second half of 2024. However, we are now in December and there are no signs of that prediction coming to fruition anytime soon.
Unless Apple surprises with an unexpected launch, the HomePod mini 2 It would not arrive until 2025 at the earliest. Possible improvements to the new model would include an updated chip to improve performance, a second-generation version of the Ultra Wideband chip (which would offer a smoother Handoff experience), and perhaps new colors. Currently, the HomePod mini uses an S5 chip and the U1 chip, and has received color updates, such as the addition of blue, orange and yellow in 2021 or the change from Space Gray to Midnight in 2024.
Alternative to the HomePod mini arrives soon
Another factor to consider is that Apple is working on a new smart home device that could see the light of day in March 2025. This product, according to leaks, would include a screen approximately 6 inches attached to a base with speaker, offering more advanced functionalities and boasting a design aimed at being the nerve center of our home.
Although its price is estimated between $199 and $299, this future smart hub could represent a more complete and modern alternative to the HomePod mini. If you’re thinking about a long-term gift, perhaps an Apple gift voucher is an interesting option for the recipient to invest in this new device next year.
Siri won’t stop exploding
While the HomePod mini integrates seamlessly into Apple’s ecosystem, its virtual assistant, Siri, is still behind from competitors like Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant in terms of versatility and precision. For example, when it comes to voice commands, it is still very limited.
That said, the HomePod mini still offers a remarkable sound quality for its size and price, especially if it is used as a speaker to play music, listen to podcasts or control devices in our home through HomeKit.
If you decide to give a HomePod mini this Christmas, you will be choosing a functional device, with an elegant design and good integration with other Apple products. Although it is not the most advanced technology on the market today, it is still a reliable smart speaker, which will serve its purpose for years.
However, it’s important to evaluate the expectations of the person who will receive it: if you value the immediacy and accessibility of a useful gift now, the HomePod mini will be an excellent choice. On the contrary, if they prefer to wait for the latest technology, it may be better to opt for alternatives such as a gift voucher that allows them to purchase more advanced devices in the future.
