Apple isn’t at present engaged on a brand new model of the HomePod mini, in keeping with Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, who addressed the matter within the newest instalment of his Energy On e-newsletter.
“At this level,” Gurman wrote, “I don’t imagine that Apple is actively engaged on such a product. The newest HomePod doesn’t embody any main new features that aren’t already within the $99 mini, so there isn’t an apparent purpose to replace the mannequin. Certain, it might be good to get extra colours, a less expensive value, and higher sound and microphones, however the true enhancements most likely should be made on the again finish–with Siri and app integration.”
The declare comes as one thing of a shock, on condition that, as Gurman talked about, Apple launched a second-gen version of the full-size HomePod final week. Most pundits agree that the HomePod mini is a extra profitable product than its bigger sibling, which was discontinued in 2021 following disappointing gross sales; if Apple is ready to roll the cube on a successor to at least one, it’s odd that it wouldn’t do the identical for the opposite. It’s not just like the HomePod mini is new, both. Launched in November 2020, it’s already properly over two years outdated.
The return of the full-size HomePod, towards all obvious industrial logic, is known to be a part of a brand new technique by Apple to prioritize the sensible residence, with a number of sensible shows and an up to date Apple TV reportedly on their method. In that context it’s much more peculiar that the corporate would select to neglect its mini sensible speaker, which is completely suited to multi-room setups.
Nevertheless it does appear that this significantly pronouncement, not like lots of Gurman’s predictions, relies on his personal deductions somewhat than insider sources. Gurman thinks the comparative lack of useful upgrades within the second-gen HomePod imply there’s no purpose to replace the smaller mannequin: even the additions that it did get, reminiscent of Thread assist and an Extremely Wideband chip, have been already within the mini. (The mini doesn’t at present have the brand new Sound Recognition characteristic on its specs sheet, thoughts you, though it isn’t clear if this could possibly be added retrospectively via a software program replace.)
It might even be true that an up to date mini would danger outshining the brand new full-size mannequin due to its far cheaper price tag and improved portability. It is sensible that Apple would maintain hearth for some months in order that the HomePod 2 will get a correct likelihood to shift some models, and we all know from the AirPods that Apple is completely satisfied to depart even very profitable audio merchandise unrefreshed for longer durations than its iPhones, Macs and iPads.
Past the brand new HomePod’s honeymoon interval, nonetheless, Apple should certainly be fascinated with a second try on the mini. We’d have to attend till 2024, however we’d be very stunned if we don’t see a second-gen mini sooner or later.
