Initially released in 2020, the HomePod mini garnered a lukewarm response. Although Apple enthusiasts praised the compact speaker, critics were quick to highlight its limitations in comparison to rival products. The HomePod mini’s biggest selling point is its sound quality; however, as many other smart speakers have resolved the poor audio issues that plagued their initial launches, Apple will need to elevate its game if it plans to introduce the anticipated HomePod mini 2 next year.
Unfortunately, the expected enhancements might not be as significant as some had hoped, as reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The forthcoming smart speaker is likely to feature Apple’s proprietary Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, which could allow the HomePod mini 2 to connect more seamlessly and offer greater bandwidth than the existing model.
Beyond that, Apple has been fairly tight-lipped regarding its plans. The few leaks that have emerged primarily revolve around the forthcoming FaceID smart doorbell and smart lock, in addition to the much-speculated Apple smart home hub. If these speculations hold any merit, it appears that Apple is poised to strengthen its foothold in the smart home sector as we move into 2025 and beyond.
For the benefit of consumers, the HomePod mini 2 deserves more enhancements than merely improving its connectivity. At the very least, Apple should consider expanding color options, refining speaker performance, and implementing other quality of life upgrades. However, if the company is directing its efforts toward a smart home hub, that could leave little room for significant updates to a product that had a lackluster debut.
Another crucial improvement that Apple should prioritize across its smart home offerings—especially to compete with Amazon and Google—is the enhancement of its virtual assistant, Siri. Upgrading Siri’s capabilities could unlock exciting new possibilities for HomeKit users, but the details of Apple’s strategies will remain unclear until an official announcement is made.
