The New Apple HomePod Mini – Release Date, Price, Features, and Specs

Apple HomePod Mini was one of the highlights in the company’s recent iPhone launch event. It is a smart speaker that will hit the market in November. The device significantly reduces the entry cost for Apple’s Siri-based ecosystem and boasts of many new features. If we were to describe the Apple HomePod Mini changes in a few words, we would say it is now compact, powerful, and affordable. 

Apple HomePod Mini – Design and Specifications

The Apple HomePod Mini, like all Apple products, is designed to impress. It is relatively compact, measuring 84.3mm (3.3 inches) high and 97.9 mm (3.9 inches) wide. The speaker weighs 345 grams (0.76 pounds) and is shaped like a ball. On the specifications side, it does not lack either. HomePod Mini features a full-range driver along with two passive radiators for producing deep bass and crisp highs. It has been designed to create a 360° sound field. 

Its AirPlay 2 technology allows you to play audio from a single source across multiple HomePod Minis. You can tune in to Apple Music, iTunes, Apple Music Radio, Apple Podcasts, or iCloud Music Library. It is possible to connect a wide range of Apple iPhones, iPads, and the iPod touch 7^th gen to the HomePod Mini smart speaker. There are three touch controls on the top, one for interacting with the device and two for adjusting volume. Apple HomePod Mini supports 802.11n Wi-Fi for connecting to a wireless network along with Bluetooth 5.0 but also comes with an Ultra-Wideband chip. There are four microphones inside the device. Three of them work to easily interpret all your Siri commands while the fourth microphone isolates the speaker’s sound to improve voice recognition when you are listening to music. Apple HomePod Mini is available in two colors – White and Space Grey. 

Apple HomePod Mini – Most Notable Features

Apple HomePod Mini comes with a few new functionalities as compared to Apple’s previous offerings in the segment. The older HomePod smart speaker may not get the same updates despite being expensive. Here are some of the most notable features of the new Apple HomePod Mini.

Pair Two HomePod Minis for Stereo Sound

A feature that most users missed on the existing HomePod was the ability to pair two of them for stereo sound. Smart speakers from competitors such as Amazon Echo Dot and Google Nest Mini can be coupled to produce stereo sound. It enables an audiophilic experience for music listeners. Now you can also pair two Apple HomePod Mini speakers for enhancing your listening experience. Even better, the company takes the ability one notch above its competitors. Unlike other smart speakers that have to be paired manually, the HomePod Minis will automatically recognize each other and pair together to output stereo sound. Manually pairing competitors’ smart speakers takes multiple steps and can be confusing. 

Create an Intercom Home Network for Broadcasting

A neat and handy feature added to the new HomePod Mini is its intercom broadcasting ability. Whether you have to announce dinner or get everyone together for some family time, there is no need to shout at the top of your voice. Instead, use the Intercom ability of the new HomePod Mini. Just record a message on a HomePod Mini or any other Siri-enabled Apple device, and it will play on specific or all the other HomePods in your house. If there are teenagers in your house who have AirPods stuck to their ears 24×7, Siri will play the same message on them too. A push notification will also be sent to iOS and Mac devices, including Apple Watch, to get everyone’s attention. 

Proximity Connection Through an Ultra-Wideband Chip

Apple’s new HomePod Mini comes with an ultra-wideband chip to improve the connection between devices. It senses the distance between the HomePod Mini and a supported smartphone (iPhone 11 and 12 Series) more accurately as compared to Bluetooth. You will be able to switch the audio output device from AirPods to the HomePod Mini with a simple flick on your smartphone screen. There will be no need to disconnect and reconnect devices. It will facilitate a seamless transition from the earphones to the smart speaker without interrupting your music. However, only the Apple smartphones that have a built-in ultra-wideband chip will be able to use this feature. 

And of course, the HomePod Mini comes with Siri and enables you to access the smart voice assistant. You can use Siri Shortcuts or access its other functionalities using the smart speaker.

New Apple HomePod Mini – Release Date, Price, and Availability

The newly launched HomePod Mini comes with a price tag of $99. When compared with the standard HomePod that costs $299, this is a significant price reduction. Even better, some of its new features are not present in the more expensive HomePod. While there are sub $50 options from competitors, but Apple always charges a premium for its products. The HomePod Mini is now available on Apple official website and will hit retail shelves on November 16th. While Apple HomePod speakers have not been popular due to their high price and limited functionality, the HomePod Mini might change all that. It is just in time for the holiday season and will make for a great gift.