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Six years after the first HomePod mini, Apple is releasing its successor – the same size externally, but with an S10 chip instead of an S5. The sound signature remains the same, but faster Wi-Fi and surround sound are included with the new Apple TV 4K. One point that's easily overlooked when upgrading concerns everyone who already owns a HomePod mini.
On October 13th, Apple unveiled the HomePod mini 2. According to the announcement in the Apple Newsroom, it costs €169 in Germany, has been available for pre-order since October 13th, and will be released on October 30th. It succeeds the first HomePod mini, which Apple introduced in October 2020.
This comparison is based on Apple's technical specifications for the HomePod mini 2 and the datasheet for the first HomePod mini. All articles about the small speaker are compiled on the HomePod mini page.
Key Facts at a Glance
- The HomePod mini 2 uses the S10 processor, while the first HomePod mini uses the S5.
- WLAN 6E and Bluetooth 6 replace 802.11n and Bluetooth 5.0.
- The speaker design, dimensions, sensor and power supply remain the same; instead of four microphones, there are three.
- Surround sound with four speakers on the new Apple TV 4K only works with the HomePod mini 2, not with the first model.
- A stereo pair consisting of an old and a new HomePod mini is not possible.
The data in comparison
| HomePod mini 2 | HomePod mini | |
|---|---|---|
| Published | 2026 | 2020 |
| Chip | S10 | S5 |
| Speakers | one broadband driver, two passive woofers | one broadband driver, two passive woofers |
| Microphones | three | four |
| Temperature and humidity sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | WLAN 6E | 802.11n |
| Bluetooth | 6 | 5.0 |
| Thread | Yes | Yes |
| Ultra-broadband | Yes | Yes |
| Mass | 84.3 × 97.9 mm | 84.3 × 97.9 mm |
| Weight | 335 g | 345 g |
| power supply | 20 W | 20 W |
| Colours | Pink, Green, Blue, White, Midnight | White, Blue, Orange, Yellow, Space Grey, Midnight |
| Price in Germany | 169 euros | last price: 139 euros |
Apple no longer sells the first HomePod mini. Its last price was €109 after the price update on June 25th.
Same case, new chip
From the outside, the two generations are barely distinguishable. Height and diameter are identical, and the new HomePod mini is ten grams lighter at 335 grams. The sound design is also the same: a full-range driver and two passive woofers that project sound in all directions.
The difference lies in the chip. According to Apple, the S10 analyzes the music in real time and adjusts dynamics, volume, and sound characteristics. Apple doesn't provide a metric for the performance difference compared to the S5. Both models have a temperature and humidity sensor; Apple enabled this feature in the first HomePod mini via an update in early 2023.
Apple is taking a step back with the microphones: The HomePod mini 2 has three, while the first HomePod mini had four. The predecessor had three microphones for "Hey Siri" and a fourth, inward-facing microphone that filtered out the speaker's own sound.
Faster network, same smart home
The biggest technical leap lies in the wireless connection. The first HomePod mini uses the 802.11n standard, i.e., Wi-Fi 4, while the HomePod mini 2 uses Wi-Fi 6E. Bluetooth jumps from 5.0 to 6.
The basic features of the smart home system remain the same. Both models function as a control center for Apple Home, integrate Thread accessories with HomeKit or Matter, and detect smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Both also have an ultra-wideband chip for audio transmission from the iPhone. Apple specifies that the HomePod mini 2 can be used as the default speaker with a Mac, provided it has Wi-Fi 6E or later.
Spatial sound and stereo pair
The new Apple TV 4K with A19 allows you to connect four HomePods for surround sound for the first time, with one stereo pair at the front and one at the rear. Apple requires four HomePod mini 2s or 2nd generation HomePods for this. The first-generation HomePod mini is not compatible.
Important for anyone who already owns a HomePod mini: According to Apple, a stereo pair requires two speakers of the same model and generation. A new HomePod mini 2 cannot be paired with an existing HomePod mini. If you want a pair, you'll need to buy two new devices.
Apple says Siri AI will be available exclusively for the HomePod mini 2, via a later software update. At launch, the feature will only be available in English in eight countries; Germany is not included initially.
When switching makes sense
I consider the HomePod mini 2 a solid, but cautious update. Anyone who already owns a single, original HomePod mini in the kitchen or bathroom and uses it for music, podcasts, and smart home commands won't gain much in everyday use: the speaker design, sensor, Thread, and ultra-wideband are already there.
The situation is different if the speaker is intended for use with a television. Surround sound with the new Apple TV 4K only works with the new generation, and a stereo pair cannot be created from an old and a new device. If you already own two HomePod minis as a pair, upgrading will mean buying two new devices, not just one.
Do you already own HomePod minis, and would surround sound for your TV be a reason for you to buy two or four new ones? Let us know your reasoning in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions: HomePod mini 2 vs. HomePod mini
The HomePod mini 2 uses the S10 processor instead of the S5. It also features Wi-Fi 6E instead of 802.11n and Bluetooth 6 instead of 5.0. The speaker design, dimensions, temperature and humidity sensor, and 20-watt power supply remain unchanged. The new model has three microphones instead of four.
The speaker design is the same: a full-range driver and two passive woofers. According to Apple, the S10 adjusts the sound in real time. However, Apple does not provide any measurements for comparison with its predecessor.
No. According to Apple, a stereo pair requires two speakers of the same model and generation. A HomePod mini 2 can only be paired with another HomePod mini 2.
No. For surround sound with four speakers, Apple requires four HomePod mini 2s or 2nd generation HomePods, divided into a stereo pair at the front and one at the back. The first HomePod mini is not designed for this.
The HomePod mini 2 costs €169 in Germany. It has been available for pre-order since October 13th and will be in stores from October 30th.
No, Apple no longer offers it. It last cost €139.
Not for now. Apple will bring Siri AI to the HomePod mini 2 with a later update, but initially only in English and in eight countries. Germany is not among them.
