Apple’s newly launched HomePod mini 2, powered by the updated S10 chip, delivers noticeably better sound than its predecessor, early reviews agree. Though the speaker’s hardware—including a full-range driver with dual passive radiators—remains the same as the original HomePod mini, it’s the upgraded chip and smarter audio processing that appear to make the difference.
What’s stayed the same, what’s better
Specifications for both models list identical speaker hardware, meaning the raw components—namely the driver and passive radiators—haven’t changed. But the HomePod mini 2 introduces the S10 chip, replacing the former S5, which enables more advanced computational audio. That lets the speaker adjust loudness, dynamic range, and overall acoustic output in real time.
Reviewers conducting head-to-head tests streamed Apple Lossless audio through both the original and new models at the same volume. The HomePod mini 2 consistently offered clearer, louder sound and much greater range, especially on vocals and mid-range details, without what some described as the tinny sound of the older version. Bass also emerged as stronger and more well-defined.
Siri speed boosts, but smart voice features delayed
Aside from sound improvements, the S10 chip also accelerates basic Siri tasks. Commands like playing music or triggering smart home actions arrive noticeably faster compared to the original HomePod mini. That said, more advanced voice intelligence—what Apple refers to as “Siri AI”—is not yet active on the mini 2 and will arrive later via software updates.
The HomePod mini 2 hit shelves last week in the U.S. with a $149 price tag. Its sound upgrades make it a far more compelling option than the original, especially for those wanting better performance in larger rooms where clarity and bass matter.
Why this matters: Apple’s HomePod mini series has long been appreciated for its design and integration within the Apple ecosystem, but often questioned for whether its small size compromised audio quality. The mini 2’s advancements suggest Apple is doubling down on offering premium sound even in its smaller smart speaker line without needing larger hardware.
