HomePod Mini 2 first look: Three things I love and one disappointment

The HomePod Mini 2 is now faster and less chatty, making smart home tasks quicker.

Apple has released the HomePod Mini 2, a successor to its smaller smart speaker, priced at $149. The new model features a faster S10 processor and Wi-Fi 6E support, significantly improving response times for Siri commands and music playback. Unlike its predecessor, the HomePod Mini 2 offers quieter confirmations for smart home actions, reducing verbal feedback. It also introduces new color options, notably a sophisticated deep green, and retains its sound quality for its size, capable of filling a room when used in a stereo pair. A new setting allows users to disable the touch controls on the top of the speaker, preventing accidental activation. However, a key anticipated feature, the ability for the HomePod Mini 2 to act as a default Mac speaker via a persistent AirPlay connection, is not functioning for some users, including the reviewer, despite meeting hardware and software requirements.

The HomePod Mini 2's performance boost, driven by the S10 chip and Wi-Fi 6E, addresses a significant pain point of the first generation: slow response times. This upgrade not only makes Siri commands nearly instantaneous but also provides a more fluid music playback experience, suggesting Apple is prioritizing core functionality improvements. The reduction in verbal confirmations for smart home actions indicates a move towards a less intrusive user experience, which could set a new standard for smart speaker interaction.

The failure of the persistent AirPlay feature to connect a Mac as a default speaker highlights potential challenges in Apple's ecosystem integration for audio. Despite the new hardware and software enablement, the inability to establish this direct wireless connection, as reported by multiple users, suggests a need for further refinement. This disappointment casts a shadow over a feature that could have significantly enhanced the HomePod Mini 2's utility for Mac users, especially as Apple prepares to launch its larger HomeView smart display.