With the reintroduction of the HomePod this week, you’d assume Apple would start working on a new HomePod tiny. After all, the business hasn’t disclosed a hardware update for the gadget since its debut in 2020, and the smart speaker industry is one of the most competitive in technology. However, it does not seem that such an upgrade is in the pipeline.
Bloomberg writer Mark Gurman claims in his current Power On newsletter that he thinks Apple is not “actively working” on a new HomePod mini. He argues that the second-generation HomePod “doesn’t offer any substantial new functionalities that aren’t already available in the $99 mini, so there isn’t a clear reason to upgrade the device.” According to Gurman, Apple is more likely to enhance the mini by issuing software upgrades that address Siri and app integration flaws since “genuine changes definitely need to be made.”
To that end, Apple recently upgraded the software on the HomePod mini to enable a temperature and humidity sensor that has been inactive in the gadget since its debut. According to Gurman, the newly reintroduced HomePod has capabilities formerly reserved for the HomePod small, such as ultra-wideband capability and Thread connection.
While a new HomePod mini may be years away, Apple is undoubtedly working on additional smart home goods. Gurman said in August that the business was developing a smart display as well as a gadget that combines the functions of an Apple TV, camera, and HomePod into a single product. He indicated at the time that they may arrive in early 2024.
