Apple reportedly developing second-generation HomePod mini

Apple is reportedly preparing the second generation of its HomePod mini, marking the first major hardware update for the smart speaker since its 2020 debut. While Apple has not officially confirmed the product or a specific release date, reports suggest a launch could occur around the fall of 2026.

The new model is expected to feature significant internal upgrades, most notably a transition from the aging S5 chip to a more powerful processor, such as the S9 or newer. This hardware shift is intended to support enhanced computational audio and, more importantly, a heavily upgraded version of Siri powered by Apple Intelligence.

While the design is expected to remain similar to the current generation, the integration of advanced AI is expected to improve Siri’s ability to handle complex tasks, personal context, and follow-up questions. Some processing may rely on cloud assistance or other Apple devices if the on-device chip capabilities are limited compared to modern iPhones.