Apple has unveiled the HomePod mini 2, priced at $149 in the US and Rs 18,900 in India. The smart speaker runs on the new S10 chip, comes in five colours, and supports Siri AI. However, Siri AI will not work on day one. Apple says it will arrive in a future software update, without giving a date.
Apple announced the speaker on 13 October 2026, and pre-orders opened the same day. It reaches stores on Friday, 30 October. This is the first new HomePod mini since the original launched in 2020, so many owners will wonder whether the upgrade is worth it. Below, we cover the specs, the Siri AI delay, the India details, and who should buy.
HomePod mini 2 Overview
| Announced | 13 October 2026 |
| Pre-orders | Open now in the US and more than 23 other countries and regions |
| In stores | Friday, 30 October 2026 |
| Price | $149 (US); Rs 18,900 (India) |
| Chip | Apple S10 |
| Colours | Pink, green, blue, white, midnight |
| New features | Sound Glow, four-speaker surround with Apple TV 4K, Mac speaker support |
| Siri AI | Coming in a future software update; no date announced |
| Software | HomePod software 27.2 |
What’s New in HomePod mini 2
From the outside, the HomePod mini 2 keeps the familiar spherical shape. Most of the changes sit inside or show up in how it behaves.
S10 Chip and Computational Audio
The new S10 chip powers computational audio, which analyses music as it plays. It then adjusts dynamic range, loudness, and acoustics in real time. As before, the speaker delivers 360-degree sound and works on its own, as a stereo pair, or as part of a multiroom setup.
Four-Speaker Surround Sound Experience
Sound Glow
Sound Glow is the most visible addition. The top of the speaker now lights up and pulses with the bass and treble of whatever you play. In addition, the colours come from the album artwork shown in Now Playing, and soundscapes such as rain trigger their own animations. Controlling Sound Glow by voice requires an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone on the latest software.
Smart Home Features
The speaker still works as a home hub, so you can lock doors, change thermostats, and run automations by voice or through the Home app. Sound Recognition can listen for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and alert your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. Apple notes that this feature should not be relied on in an emergency. With compatible HomeKit Secure Video doorbells, the speaker can also announce who is at the door.
Colour Options
HomePod mini 2 comes in five colours: pink, green, blue, white and midnight. Pink, green and blue are the brighter choices for anyone who wants the speaker to stand out. White and midnight are more understated and blend easily into most rooms. Every colour gets the same S10 chip, Sound Glow lighting and support for Siri AI when it arrives, so you can pick on looks alone.
Why Is Siri AI Coming Later?
Siri AI is the headline feature of HomePod mini 2, yet it will not be ready when the speaker ships. Apple says only that it will arrive through a free future software update. The company has not named a month or a software version, and early reviewers have called the delay a curious choice for the product’s biggest selling point.
Until then, the speaker will use the current version of Siri. So, if you buy on 30 October, expect the familiar assistant at first and the smarter one later.
What Siri AI Will Do on HomePod mini 2
Apple built Siri AI on a new architecture using its latest Apple Foundation Models. Once it arrives, it will offer the following:
| Feature | What it means |
| Voice recognition | Recognises up to six household members by voice |
| Personal context | With a paired Apple Intelligence iPhone or iPad, it can act on messages, reminders, recipes, and grocery lists |
| General knowledge | Conversation, world knowledge, and better music discovery, even without an Apple Intelligence device |
| Privacy | Requests run on-device or through Apple’s Private Cloud Compute |
Requirements and Limits
There are a few conditions to know. First, the home owner listed in the Home app needs an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad running the latest software, with Siri AI turned on. Second, Siri AI will launch in English only. Third, Apple says some server-side features carry daily usage limits, and that expanded access will cost money in the future.
Which Countries Get Siri AI?
Siri AI on HomePod mini 2 will be available in the US, Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, and the UK. Notably, it will not initially be available in the EU.
HomePod mini 2 Price and Launch in India
Good news for Indian buyers: HomePod mini 2 is part of the first wave. Apple lists the price at Rs 18,900, and you can pre-order through Apple’s online store in India. Store availability begins on 30 October, the same date as other launch markets. Moreover, India is one of the countries confirmed for Siri AI in English once the update arrives.
HomePod mini 2 vs Original HomePod mini
| Feature | HomePod mini 2 vs original |
| Launch | 2026 vs 2020 |
| US price at launch | $149 vs $99 |
| India price at launch | Rs 18,900 vs Rs 9,900 |
| Chip | S10 vs S5 |
| Sound Glow | Yes vs no |
| Four-speaker surround with Apple TV | Yes vs no |
| Siri AI | Promised via update vs not announced |
The biggest jump is in price. In the US, the new model costs $50 more than the original did at launch, while the India price is close to double. Apple’s announcement mentions Siri AI only for HomePod mini 2, and reports suggest the original model will not get it. Therefore, if Siri AI matters to you, the new speaker is the safer bet.
Should You Buy HomePod mini 2?
Buy it if you live in Apple’s ecosystem and want a compact speaker that will grow smarter over time. It also makes sense if you plan to build a surround setup with the new Apple TV 4K. On the other hand, if you already own the original and mostly use it for music and smart home control, waiting until Siri AI actually ships is a reasonable choice. That way, you can judge the assistant before paying for new hardware.
Disclaimer: Prices, release dates, and features in this article are based on Apple’s announcement of 13 October 2026 and may change. Siri AI has no confirmed release date, and Apple says some features may later require payment. The smoke and carbon monoxide alert feature should not replace certified safety alarms. This article is not sponsored by or affiliated with Apple.
Final Thoughts
Apple unveils HomePod mini 2, with Siri AI coming later, and that sums up the launch neatly. The hardware is ready now, with a faster chip, Sound Glow, fresh colours, and better home theatre support. The smartest part, however, is still on the way. For India, the speaker arrives at Rs 18,900 on day one, and Siri AI is confirmed in English once Apple releases the update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apple announced HomePod mini 2 on 13 October 2026. Pre-orders opened the same day, and the speaker reached stores on 30 October 2026.
HomePod mini 2 costs Rs 18,900 in India. In the US, it is priced at $149.
No. Siri AI will come through a future software update, and Apple has not shared a release date.
Yes. Apple lists India among the countries that will get Siri AI on HomePod mini 2, in English.
It comes in five colours: pink, green, blue, white, and midnight.
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