Apple’s next-generation HomePod mini is set for a major performance boost, with hardware upgrades to make it smarter, faster and more connected.
MacRumors reports that a slicker, smarter HomePod mini could be on the way as Apple’s got something brewing for its smart speaker. Apple accidentally included hardware identifiers in its code, and MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris discovered that an upgraded HomePod mini will run an unreleased Apple Watch processor.
Aside from other rumored updates, the smart speaker could support Wi-Fi 6E via an in-house designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combo chip, dubbed “Proxima,” along with possible new color finishes. Expect the updated HomePod mini sometime between September and December—just in time for holiday home upgrades.
HomePod mini 2 may be around the corner
Codenamed B525, the next HomePod mini appears to be powered by an unreleased Apple S-series chip, similar to the processor running inside the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Series 9 (and possibly also the upcoming Apple Watch Series 11).
Concretely, strings discovered in Apple’s code seem to point to a 64-bit, dual-core processor built on the roots of the Apple A16 chip running in the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus and the eleventh-generation iPad. The chip may have a 4-core Neural Engine under the hood for AI tasks.
If true, that would be a big leap from the 64-bit dual-core Apple S5 chip in the current HomePod mini that first appeared in the Apple Watch Series 5 (2019). Other improvements for the HomePod mini 2 could include enhanced sound and Apple’s second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for more accurate device micro-positioning used for Handoff when you wave your iPhone nearby.
HomePod mini 2 vs. HomePod mini comparison
The current HomePod mini was released in November 2020 in white, space gray, blue, orange and yellow. In July 2024, Apple also introduced a midnight color option, which replaced the space gray version. The HomePod mini supports Wi-Fi 4 (also known as 802.11n) with dual-band support (2.4GHz and 5GHz), plus Bluetooth 5.0 (for features like Handoff but no Bluetooth audio functionality, unfortunately).
The current model also supports Thread networking for better smart home. It can work as as a Thread border router, allowing it to connect directly to Thread-enabled smart home devices and extend the network within your home.
If the next version does end up supporting Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 via an in-house wireless chip, expect the benefits outlined in the table below.
| Feature | HomePod mini | HomePod mini 2 | Real-world benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6E (including 6 GHz) | Faster speeds, less interference, more stable streaming |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Longer range, improved stability, lower latency |
| Audio | Occasional lag in multi-room setups | Ultra-low-latency sync | Perfectly timed multi-room playback without echo or delay |
| Smart home | Commands can have small delays | Snappier responses | Faster, smoother HomeKit control and automations |
| Future-proofing | Limited headroom | Ready for newer codecs/features | Support for things like LC3 and higher-quality streaming |
Smoother streaming: Wi-Fi 6E’s 6 GHz band could bring faster streaming of music and podcasts with fewer dropouts due to less congestion from your neighbors’ networks. Of course, you would need a Wi-Fi 6E-enabled router as well.
Better multi-room audio: Wi-Fi 6E enables lower latency, which may enable AirPlay to keep multiple HomePod mini 2 devices in sync around the house without noticeable lag when playing multi-room audio.
Better smart home: Faster wireless networking means quicker communication with HomeKit devices, like cameras and sensors which would respond quicker to voice commands and trigger automations faster.
Longer Bluetooth range: Bluetooth 5.3 boosts reliability and range for direct device pairing, which might make handing off music and podcasts from your iPhone or Apple Watch feel more instant.
Future-proofing for new features: Both Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 would future-proof the next HomePod mini for future Apple ecosystem features, such as lossless AirPlay, better audio handshakes or higher-quality Bluetooth audio (LC3 codec).