Apple has announced the HomePod mini 2 with Siri AI, improved audio features, and new colour options. The smart speaker also introduces Sound Glow, a feature that makes its top surface glow and pulse in sync with music.
One of the biggest changes is Siri AI, which will arrive through a future software update. The upgraded assistant is designed to offer more natural conversations, understand personal context, and provide up-to-date information from the web.
When connected to an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad, Siri AI can use personal context to help users complete tasks across apps. For example, users can ask Siri to find a song recommended by a friend in a message, locate a recipe shared through email, or add ingredients to a grocery list. It can also set reminders linked to calendar events or locations.
The speaker can recognise up to six users by their voices and provide personalised responses. Even users without an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad can access Siri AI’s broader knowledge and improved conversational features once the speaker has the supported software update.
Apple has also introduced Sound Glow, which turns the top of the HomePod mini 2 into a light display. It reacts to the bass and treble of the music playing through the speaker. The feature can also use colours inspired by album artwork and display animations for soundscapes such as rain.
The HomePod mini 2 is powered by Apple’s S10 chip and uses computational audio to adjust sound performance in real time. Users can pair two speakers for stereo sound or connect multiple speakers for multiroom audio.
Another major addition is four-speaker surround sound support when the HomePod mini 2 is paired with the new Apple TV 4K. The setup uses four speakers placed around the room and automatically adjusts audio timing and levels based on their positions.
The HomePod mini 2 also works as a smart home hub, allowing users to control compatible accessories and run automations using voice commands. It supports features such as locking doors, adjusting thermostats, controlling lights, and managing connected devices remotely through the Home app.
Other features include Sound Recognition, which can detect smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and send notifications to connected Apple devices. Users can also use the Home app to check in and communicate with someone at home.
Apple says Siri AI requests can be processed on the device or through Private Cloud Compute. When requests are handled through the cloud system, the data is not stored or made accessible to Apple.
The HomePod mini 2 is available in pink, green, blue, white, and midnight. It is priced at Rs. 18999. Pre-orders begin today, with availability starting October 30.
