Apple lifted the veil on the HomePod 2 wireless speaker last week, but we don’t expect the second generation HomePod mini to follow anytime soon.
In his recent Power On newsletter (Opens in a new tab)Mark Gurman, Bloomberg’s resident Apple expert, speculates that Apple isn’t “actively working” on a successor to one of its best wireless speakers simply because there isn’t a need for one.
“The latest HomePod doesn’t include any major new functionality that isn’t already in the $99 mini model, so there’s no obvious reason to update the model,” Gorman explains. “Sure, it would be nice to have more colors, a cheaper price, better sound and mics, but the real improvements probably need to be done on the back end – with Siri and app integration.”
Gurman’s confirmation comes after Apple confirmed that it has temperature and humidity sensors built into its wireless speaker. These sensors — which are marketed as some of the HomePod 2’s key features — have always been present in the HomePod mini, but an upcoming software update will allow the device to use smart home assistants that are sleeping until now.
As such, Apple really doesn’t need to dedicate resources to HomePod mini 2 development — at least for now. Thanks to the imminent activation of the temperature and humidity sensors, the current mini will soon be able to power it with the HomePod 2 as a versatile and compatible smart home device.
The former is expected to get a shiny new sensor upgrade with the next major iOS 16 update, iOS 16.3, which is currently in its final beta.
Gurman previously suggested that Apple was considering the possibility of developing a full (and “impressive”) HomePod mini 2, though that speculation came before news broke of temperature and humidity sensors built into the original model.
For our money, the only thing that might encourage Apple to turn its attention toward a successor to the HomePod mini is the current model’s lack of Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio support. These are the main “missing” features of the HomePod mini versus the HomePod 2, and if consumers – and the music industry in general – continue to embrace podcasting with 3D Sound mode, it’s an obvious way for Apple to add more interest to future models. We are still some time away from that moment.
Make home a (smart) home
Apple’s integration of smart home functionality into the new and existing HomePod lineup speaks to the company’s broader push for smart home technology adoption in the coming years. Clearly intent on correcting the confusing Home app, the tech giant is also said to be working on an iPad-like smart display and possibly a new HomePod with a display.
It’s possible, then, that some of the best smart home devices could soon bear the Apple logo, instead of just the Google and Amazon logos.
For more HomePod-related content, check out our comprehensive Apple HomePod 2 and HomePod mini feature and our breakdown of the HomePod 2 debuts.