The Upcoming HomePod Mini: What's New and What's Missing?

Apple is preparing to launch a new version of the HomePod mini, with a significant focus on upgrading the internal chip.

Chip Upgrade: From S5 to S9/S10

• Current model uses the S5 chip (also found in the Apple Watch Series 5).
• New model may feature the S9 or S10 chip, both based on the A13 architecture (more powerful and efficient than the A12 in the S5).
• The S5 chip is optimized for low-power tasks like Siri and real-time audio tuning.
• The S9/S10 chips offer better performance and an advanced Neural Engine, making the new HomePod mini faster and more responsive.

Wi-Fi 6E and Ultra Wideband Support

• The new model is expected to include the N1 chip, supporting Wi-Fi 6E (faster, lower latency, and reduced interference).
• May also feature the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip (introduced in the iPhone 15 lineup).
• Improves spatial awareness, allowing precise detection of nearby devices for tasks like Handoff.

New Colors and Smart Home Integration

• Expected to come in new colors, with red reportedly in testing.
• Current colors: Blue, Yellow, Midnight, Orange, and White.
• Designed for Apple's new smart home ecosystem, though Siri improvements are unclear.
• Unlike the rumored smart home hub, the new HomePod mini won't support Apple Intelligence.