Apple’s HomePod mini is now 2,000 days old. It was introduced on October 13, 2020, and it has not received a second-generation update since. That is an unusually long lifespan for any Apple product, and for a smart speaker that competes in a fast-moving market, it is becoming harder to ignore.
Here is where things stand.
What Is the HomePod mini?
The HomePod mini launched at $99 as a smaller, more affordable companion to the original full-sized HomePod. It quickly became popular because of its easy Apple ecosystem integration, solid sound quality for its size, and competitive price point. It works as a smart home hub for HomeKit and Matter accessories.
Apple discontinued the original HomePod in 2023, then brought it back as the HomePod 2nd generation. The HomePod mini, however, has sat at its original 2020 specs ever since.
Why Has There Been No Update?
The short answer is Siri. Apple’s plan for the HomePod mini 2 was reportedly to pair it with the next generation of Siri — the AI-powered upgrade that was supposed to arrive in spring 2026. When that Siri upgrade got pushed to iOS 27 and September 2026, the HomePod mini update got pushed along with it.
This is the same reason the Apple TV refresh has been delayed until September 2026. Multiple Apple products are essentially waiting in a queue for smarter Siri to be ready.
What Is Expected in the HomePod mini 2?
When a second-generation HomePod mini does arrive, it is expected to include:
- An updated S-series chip based on the Apple Watch S10
- New colour options
- Support for Apple Intelligence and the upgraded Siri
- The N1 networking chip with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6
The core design is not expected to change significantly. It will still be the same compact form factor. The big changes will be under the hood.
Is It Still Worth Buying the Current Model?
If you are deep in the Apple ecosystem, the current HomePod mini still does its job well. It handles HomeKit automation reliably, sounds decent for its size, and costs $99. But you are buying a five-year-old chip inside it at this point.
If smart home AI features are important to you, waiting makes more sense. The WWDC 2026 preview we publishedsuggests Apple is planning a significant Siri announcement this June, and the HomePod mini 2 should follow shortly after.
2,000 Days Is a Long Time
To put 2,000 days in perspective: when the HomePod mini launched, AirPods Pro were first generation, the iPhone 12 had just come out, and Apple Silicon Macs were still being announced for the first time. The world has changed considerably. Apple’s smart speaker has not.
With a September 2026 launch now looking more likely, the HomePod mini’s record-breaking dormancy should finally come to an end later this year. We will keep you updated as details emerge.
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