Apple unveils HomePod mini 2 with Siri AI and four-speaker surround sound

Apple has announced HomePod mini 2, a new generation of its smart speaker with Siri AI support, enhanced audio features and five color options. Pre-orders are available now in the U.S. and more than 23 other countries and regions, with store availability beginning October 30.

HomePod mini 2 will be offered in pink, green, blue, white and midnight. The device is compatible with HomePod software 27.2.

Siri AI arrives through an update

Siri AI will become available through a free future software update. It will initially support English in the U.S., Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa and the UK.

Personalized requests require an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad with Siri AI enabled. The system can recognize up to six users by voice and use personal context from Messages, Calendar, Mail and other apps.

Four-speaker home theater

HomePod mini 2 provides 360-degree audio as a single speaker, in a stereo pair or in a multiroom setup. Paired with a fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, four HomePod mini 2 speakers can deliver surround sound with automatic calibration based on their positions in the room.

The speaker uses Apple’s S10 chip and computational audio to optimize dynamic range, loudness and acoustic performance. Sound Glow synchronizes the top surface’s lighting with music and can create color-matched effects based on album artwork.

HomePod mini 2 can also serve as a Mac speaker for movies, gaming, FaceTime and video calls.

Smart-home controls

Users can control compatible accessories by voice, including locking doors, closing a garage, adjusting blinds and thermostats, and turning off lights. HomePod mini also works as a home hub for remote control through the Home app.

Sound Recognition can detect smoke or carbon monoxide alarm sounds and send notifications to an iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. Apple says the feature should not be relied on as the sole safety measure in emergencies.

Apple says Siri AI uses on-device processing or Private Cloud Compute. According to the company, data processed through Private Cloud Compute is not stored or made accessible to Apple.