Although the lack of information about the new model of this popular speaker puts its return in doubt, Apple fans remain hopeful, especially considering that the Californian company will present new products at the event this October.
New HomePod mini in 2024?
The rumor that is gaining the most strength, in relation to a second generation of the HomePod mini, has its origin in the renowned Apple analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, who stated in February 2023 that the Cupertino company would begin mass shipments of this product in the second half of 2024.
However, since then, no further information has been received, so everything seems to be up in the air.
Kuo did not give specific details about the possible improvements that the new HomePod mini would bring, but some of the most anticipated updates could include the addition of a new S series chip, which would improve performance of computational audio, and a second generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip to optimize the Handoff experience, making music transfer between devices faster and smoother.
Although Apple has not revealed official plans for the HomePod mini 2, speculation about the device’s features continues to grow. The incorporation of a most powerful chiplike one of the S series, could take computational audio to another level, improving sound quality and the speaker’s ability to adapt to different environments. This would be a key improvement compared to the current HomePod mini, which is equipped with the S5 chip.
Apple October event
On the other hand, the UWB chip update could reduce latency in functions such as Handoff, allowing faster interaction with other Apple devices, such as the iPhone or Apple Watch. This would make the HomePod mini even more efficient as a control center in a connected home.
It’s also possible that Apple will introduce new color options for the HomePod mini 2. In the past, the company has refreshed the speaker’s colors on several occasions. In 2021, it added blue, orange, and yellow versions, and in 2024, it swapped space gray for a “Midnight” finish. A new color range for the next model could attract more users looking to customize the aesthetics of their smart home.
Apple could surprise with the launch of the HomePod mini 2 in 2024, although recent rumors are scarce and do not seem to point in that direction. It is speculated that the announcement could be at the October event or through a statement in Apple Newsroom. The device could incorporate improvements such as a more powerful chip and new Handoff functions, generating high expectations among users who expect an evolution in Apple’s domestic ecosystem.
