Apple unveils the new HomePod mini: S10 chip and $149 price

What happened?

Apple unveiled the new-generation HomePod mini at its "Welcome Home" event. First introduced in 2020, the device gets its first major hardware refresh after roughly six years. The design is largely unchanged, with the focus on the processor, connectivity and ecosystem integration.

S10 chip and Siri

At the heart of the device is Apple's S10 chip, replacing the S5 in the previous model. Apple says the new processor is meant to make the speaker faster and to support advanced Siri features coming later. The AI-powered Siri experience does not ship with the device; it is expected to arrive through a software update down the road.

The new Siri will be able to understand personal context, generate answers based on previous conversations and handle more complex requests. Using the personal context features requires a compatible Apple Intelligence-capable iPhone or iPad. These features will initially be available in English in eight countries, and Turkey is not among the supported markets at launch.

Connectivity and sound

The new HomePod mini comes with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth Low Energy 6.0 support. The audio hardware is largely unchanged, but the device can now be used as the default speaker on Macs. Up to four HomePod minis can be paired with the new Apple TV 4K to create a surround sound system. The LED lighting on top has also been updated: the "Sound glow" effects produce light shows that match the colors of the album art being played.

Price and availability

Offered in five colors, the device is priced at $149 in the US. Pre-orders opened on October 13, and the speaker is planned to reach users on October 30.