Apple’s smallest smart speaker may finally be getting the refresh fans have waited years for. The HomePod mini 2 is reportedly around the corner, with growing signs that Apple has quietly stopped production of the original model.
One of Apple’s top retail partners, B&H, has now listed the HomePod mini as “discontinued.” That’s not the kind of label retailers use lightly. Stock is also drying up across major stores, with certain colors unavailable or backordered at Target, Walmart, and Best Buy. Even Apple’s own stores are running low, with some pickup options limited to flagship locations.
The timing lines up perfectly. The current HomePod mini was introduced in 2020 and hasn’t seen an internal upgrade since. While Apple added new colors in 2021, the hardware remains the same. Over the past few months, reports have suggested that the company is preparing a second-generation version that will replace the aging S5 chip with something much more capable.
The new HomePod mini is expected to feature the S9 or S10 chip, the same class of processors found in recent Apple Watch models. This would bring faster Siri performance, more efficient power management, and improved audio processing. It is also expected to include Apple’s N1 chip, which supports Wi-Fi 6E for faster speeds and lower latency. In addition, the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip could make device handoff and spatial awareness more precise than ever.
There’s also talk of new colors, with red reportedly tested internally, alongside Apple’s usual Midnight, White, Yellow, Blue, and Orange finishes. While Apple is unlikely to overhaul the speaker’s exterior design, subtle changes to texture or finish are possible to differentiate the new version.
With Apple rumored to be planning an in-store refresh around November 12, the timing could not be more fitting. The holiday season is when Apple tends to update its home lineup, and a refreshed HomePod mini would pair well with its growing smart-home ecosystem.
If you’ve been thinking of buying one, it might be worth waiting just a little longer. The signs are all pointing to a HomePod mini 2 reveal soon, complete with better sound, faster performance, and stronger connectivity. For now, though, the old model’s dwindling availability speaks for itself.
(via MacRumors)
