The HomePod Mini (stylized as HomePod mini) is a smart speaker developed by Apple. It utilizes Apple's Siri digital assistant. Roughly a 10 cm sphere, it was released on November 16, 2020 as a smaller and less expensive version of Apple's HomePod.
Overview
The HomePod Mini is based on the Apple S5 system in a package also used for the Apple Watch Series 5 and SE. It improves Continuity and Handoff integration, enables Siri to recognize up to six people's voices and personalizing responses to each one, and adds the Intercom feature — also available on iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches — enabling users with more than one HomePod to communicate with each other in different rooms.[4] It requires an iPhone or iPad in order to run set up; it cannot be installed from a Mac.[5]
HomePod Mini's wireless capabilities include 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5, and an ultra-wideband chip for device proximity and AirPlay Handoff.[2] It is compatible with devices running iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 and later. tvOS 15 allows the Apple TV to use HomePod Mini as a speaker, supporting a stereo pair.[6]
HomePod Mini supports the Thread network protocol, supported by the Connected Home over IP working group. It can be used to control Apple Home devices and can function as a home hub, allowing it to control appliances remotely, grant guest access, and set up automations.[7]
It has a non-detachable USB-C cable and comes with a 20W power adapter. With the release of audioOS 14.3 in late 2020, HomePod Mini gained support for 18W power adapters, which made it compatible with third-party adapters and portable power banks.[8]
It is designed to operate at temperatures from 32° to 95 °F (0° to 35 °C); at relative humidity between 5% and 90% (noncondensing); and at altitudes up to 10,000 feet (3000 m). Following its launch, teardowns found a temperature and humidity sensor that was unannounced by Apple.[9] Humidity and temperature sensing was activated following the 16.3 software update in January 2023, after these sensors were added to the second-generation full-sized HomePod.[10]
On October 18, 2021, Apple announced that the existing gray and white options would be joined by blue, orange, and yellow versions. The new colors have a tinted touch display that is a lighter hue of the body color, and the braided cable is also colored accordingly. On July 15, 2024, Apple discontinued the space gray option and replaced it with a midnight color.[11]
Sales
Apple sold an estimated 4.6 million smart speakers in Q4 2020, representing sales of both the HomePod Mini and original HomePod.[12] The HomePod Mini sold an estimated 2.18 million units in Q1 2021, representing 91% of Apple's smart speaker sales, along with the original HomePod.[13] It sold an estimated 2.5 million units worldwide in Q2 2021, and 4 million units in Q3.[14][15] It sold an estimated 4.5 million units in Q1 2022 and was the top selling individual smart speaker.[16]
Operating system
Comparison with other models
Discontinued | Current |
Models | HomePod (1st gen)[17] |
HomePod (2nd gen) |
HomePod Mini[18][19] |
---|---|---|---|
Release date(s) | February 9, 2018 | February 3, 2023 | November 16, 2020 |
Discontinued | March 12, 2021 | - | July 15, 2024 (space gray) |
Latest audioOS supported | audioOS 18 | ||
Model number | AudioAccessory1,1 (A1639) | AudioAccessory6,1 (A2825) | AudioAccessory5,1 (A2374) |
System on a chip/package | Apple A8 | Apple S7 | Apple S5 |
Speakers | 7 tweeters | 5 tweeters | 1 full-range driver, 2 passive radiators |
4-inch (10 cm) woofer | - | ||
Microphones | 6 microphones | 4 microphones | |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with MIMO | Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) with MIMO | |
Bluetooth 5 | |||
- | Thread | ||
- | Ultra-wideband (Apple U1) | ||
Sensors | Accelerometer | ||
- | Humidity and temperature | ||
Sound recognition | |||
Dimensions | 6.8 in × 5.6 in (170 mm × 140 mm) |
6.6 in × 5.6 in (168 mm × 140 mm) |
3.3 in × 3.9 in (84 mm × 99 mm) |
Weight | 5.5 lb (2.5 kg) | 5.16 lb (2.3 kg) | 0.76 lb (0.34 kg) |
Colors | Space Gray, White |
Midnight, White |
Space Gray (discontinued), Blue, White, Yellow, Orange, Midnight |
Power | Built-in power supply, power cable not officially user-detachable[20] | Built-in power supply, detachable power cable with IEC 60320 C7/C8 connector | External 20 W power adapter (compatible with 18 W power adapters since software 14.3),[21] non-detachable power cable from device with USB-C end |
$US list price on launch | $349 | $299 | $99 |
See also
References
- ^ "HomePod mini is available starting this month". Apple. 2022-12-06. Archived from the original on 2022-12-29. Retrieved 2022-12-29.
- ^ a b "HomePod mini - Technical Specifications - Apple". Archived from the original on 22 January 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
- ^ Nugroho, Prayudi Satriyo (2021-03-14). "How much power does the HomePod mini actually draw?". Medium. Archived from the original on 2022-03-26. Retrieved 2021-10-27.
- ^ "HomePod mini". Apple. Archived from the original on 2021-02-05. Retrieved 2020-10-13.
- ^ "Set up HomePod or HomePod mini". Apple Support. Retrieved 2025-02-11.
- ^ "What's new in tvOS 15 for Apple TV". Apple Support. Archived from the original on 2021-12-23. Retrieved 2021-12-23.
- ^ "Set up your HomePod, HomePod mini, Apple TV, or iPad as a home hub". Apple Support. Retrieved 2025-02-25.
- ^ Miller, Chance (2020-12-28). "HomePod mini adds support for 18W power adapters with 14.3 software update". 9to5Mac. Archived from the original on 2023-01-21. Retrieved 2023-01-21.
- ^ "Apple's HomePod Mini Has a Secret Sensor Waiting to Be Switched On". Bloomberg.com. 2021-03-22. Archived from the original on 2022-02-14. Retrieved 2021-10-27.
- ^ "How to Use the Temperature and Humidity Sensors on HomePod and HomePod Mini". MacRumors. 24 January 2023. Archived from the original on 2023-01-25. Retrieved 2023-01-25.
- ^ "Apple introduces HomePod mini in midnight". Apple Newsroom. Retrieved 2024-07-15.
- ^ "Strategy Analytics: Global Smart Speaker Sales Cross 150 Million Units for 2020 Following Robust Q4 Demand". www.businesswire.com. 2021-03-03. Archived from the original on 2023-02-11. Retrieved 2023-02-11.
- ^ "Apple Is Still Struggling to Unload Its Launch Day HomePods". Gizmodo. 12 May 2021. Archived from the original on 2022-03-31. Retrieved 2021-12-23.
- ^ Lovejoy, Ben (2021-07-29). "HomePod sales get 180% boost, but a new model 'may be needed'". 9to5Mac. Archived from the original on 2021-12-23. Retrieved 2021-12-23.
- ^ "Strategy Analytics: Another Record Quarter for Smart Speakers in 3Q21, Though Supply Chain Woes are on the Horizon". news.strategyanalytics.com. Archived from the original on 2022-02-01. Retrieved 2021-12-23.
- ^ "Strategy Analytics: Global Smart Speaker Shipments Declined 5% in 1Q22 Amid Disruption from War and a Resurgent COVID Virus". news.strategyanalytics.com. Archived from the original on 2023-02-11. Retrieved 2023-02-11.
- ^ "HomePod - Technical Specifications". support.apple.com. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
- ^ "HomePod mini - Technical Specifications". Apple. Retrieved 2023-01-21.
- ^ "HomePod Mini: Round, Full of Sound, and Now Torn Down | iFixit News". iFixit. 2022-05-08. Retrieved 2022-05-08.
- ^ "HomePod Teardown". iFixit. 2018-02-12. Retrieved 2023-02-03.
- ^ Miller, Chance (2020-12-28). "HomePod mini adds support for 18W power adapters with 14.3 software update". 9to5Mac. Retrieved 2023-02-03.
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