Apple initially launched the HomePod mini in 2020 alongside the iPhone 12 lineup, and since then, the product has remained largely untouched. Apple added some new colour choices in 2021, together with blue, orange, and yellow. The corporate additionally changed House Grey with Midnight this 12 months, which seems the identical – besides its now 100% recycled mesh material.
Nonetheless, for the primary time in half a decade, Apple will lastly be updating the HomePod mini, with a few enhancements.
New networking chip
One of many solely rumored upgrades with the upcoming HomePod mini is that Apple will likely be introducing its personal in-house networking chip, codenamed ‘Proxima’, within the product. HomePod mini will likely be one of many first merchandise to realize this networking chip, and can introduce Wi-Fi 6E to HomePod mini.
Moreover, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has talked about the truth that Apple’s networking chip has the aptitude to function a wi-fi entry level, doubtlessly permitting the HomePod mini to be excess of only a good speaker. It’s unclear whether or not or not Apple intends to make the most of this functionality, although. In the event that they did, it may permit for the HomePod mini to function a part of a Wi-Fi mesh community, just like the long-discontinued AirPort Categorical.
Apple Intelligence
Sadly, regardless of the HomePod being such a excellent spot for Apple Intelligence options, particularly in the case of Siri, it isn’t at present rumored that HomePod nor HomePod mini will likely be gaining assist for Apple Intelligence options. Apple’s upcoming good residence show, which some seek advice from as ‘HomePad’, is predicted to realize Apple Intelligence, nonetheless.
Apple would wish to introduce an A17 Professional or A18 chipset within the HomePod mini for Apple Intelligence options, which might doubtless improve prices to a excessive diploma. Apple at present makes use of Apple Watch chipsets inside the HomePod, with the mini equipping the S5 chipset from the Apple Watch Collection 5 and 1st technology Apple Watch SE.
On the very least, Apple may hopefully introduce options like ChatGPT integration, or depend on Non-public Cloud Compute for Apple Intelligence Siri requests from HomePod. Neither of those would require a ton of on-board compute, however it will clearly have a server price to Apple. Perhaps they’d simply eat the associated fee for the sake of Siri really being good, or they’d require customers to be paying for a sure iCloud+ tier. Solely time will inform.
Launch date
In line with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, HomePod mini 2 will debut subsequent 12 months:
Apple will start rolling out the mixed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip as a part of new residence gadgets scheduled for subsequent 12 months, together with refreshed variations of its TV set-top field and HomePod mini good speaker.
Are you trying ahead to the upcoming HomePod mini? What different upgrades would you wish to see within the product? Tell us within the feedback.
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