Apple Unveils $149 HomePod mini 2 With S10 Chip and Siri AI Support
Apple has officially introduced the HomePod mini 2, marking the next generation of its compact smart speaker lineup. The updated device features an Apple S10 chip, enhanced computational audio, dynamic Sound Glow lighting effects, and four-speaker surround sound integration with the latest Apple TV 4K. Furthermore, the speaker will gain Siri AI support via an upcoming software update.
Buyers can choose from five distinct finishes: Pink, Green, Blue, White, and Midnight. Pre-orders opened on October 13, 2026, in the United States and more than 23 additional countries and territories. Official retail availability will begin on October 30 at a retail price of $149.
Siri AI Enables Natural Conversations and Personal Context
A standout upgrade on the HomePod mini 2 is its upcoming support for Siri AI, built upon a modern architecture powered by Apple Foundation Models. When paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad, the speaker taps into personal context to execute complex, cross-app requests. For instance, users can ask Siri to play a track recommended by a friend in Messages. Additionally, it can set reminders tied to calendar events or extract ingredients from an emailed recipe directly into a shopping list.
Moreover, Siri AI retrieves real-time information from the web to answer general knowledge queries and maintains fluid, multi-turn conversations rather than processing isolated commands. The speaker also recognizes the voices of up to six family members, tailoring music recommendations and personal tasks to each individual.
Notably, once Siri AI activates on a compatible HomePod mini, even households without an Apple Intelligence-capable iPhone or iPad can enjoy improved conversational flow, web knowledge lookups, and music discovery. However, requests requiring access to private personal context still depend on a paired compatible device. Apple confirmed that Siri AI will arrive in a future software update, initially supporting English in the US, Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, and the UK.
Apple S10 Silicon and Four-Speaker Surround Sound
Under the hood, the HomePod mini 2 utilizes the Apple S10 chip alongside advanced computational audio to analyze musical tracks in real time. Consequently, the system dynamically optimizes dynamic range, volume levels, and acoustic characteristics. The speaker retains its signature 360-degree acoustic design, operating either as a standalone unit, a stereo pair, or part of a multi-room audio array.
Crucially, a new home theater feature lets users build a four-speaker surround sound system when connected to the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K. Specifically, this setup combines two second-generation HomePod speakers at the front of the room with two HomePod mini 2 units positioned in the rear. According to Apple, the speakers and Apple TV 4K automatically detect each unit’s placement in the room, calibrating playback timing and volume levels to match the physical space. Additionally, users can set the HomePod mini 2 as the default audio output for Mac computers during music playback, movie streaming, gaming, and FaceTime calls.
Sound Glow Lighting and Smart Home Management
On the visual front, Apple introduced Sound Glow, transforming the top touch surface into an expressive lighting display. The illumination shifts and pulses in sync with the rhythm of the music, reacting dynamically to bass and treble frequencies in real time. Furthermore, the system extracts color palettes directly from the currently playing album artwork to generate matching visual effects. Users can also pair ambient sounds, such as falling rain, with dedicated lighting animations to create a relaxing atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the HomePod mini 2 continues to serve as an essential Apple Home hub. Users can issue voice commands or build automations in the Home app to lock doors, close garage doors, lower blinds, adjust thermostats, or turn off lights. When away from home, owners can still manage their connected accessories remotely via an iPhone. The built-in Sound Recognition feature also listens for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, sending immediate alerts to linked iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch devices.
The speaker integrates seamlessly with cameras and doorbells from the new Apple Home Collection co-developed with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric. Using Face Recognition, the speaker announces the identity of visitors standing at the front door. To protect user privacy, Siri AI requests run either directly on the device or through Private Cloud Compute, ensuring personal data is never stored or accessed by Apple.
Pricing and Regional Availability
The HomePod mini 2 retails for $149 in the United States across five color options, with pre-orders live now ahead of the October 30 launch. However, Apple does not yet officially distribute the HomePod mini 2 in Vietnam. A primary hurdle for the HomePod lineup in the Vietnamese market remains the lack of native Vietnamese language support for Siri, while the new Siri AI capabilities will initially launch exclusively in English across select regions.
