HomePod Mini 2 and HomePod 3: All We Know About Apple’s 2025 Smart Speaker Lineup

Apple is reportedly preparing to update its smart speaker selection in 2025 with the much-awaited HomePod Mini 2 and HomePod 3. It’s been nearly five years since the debut of the original HomePod Mini, which helped Apple carve a place in the competitive smart home market. With new rumors suggesting improved audio, a potential touchscreen, and enhanced internal components, Apple enthusiasts have much to anticipate.

Curious about what enhancements are in the pipeline? Let’s explore the latest leaks, anticipated features, and possible launch timelines.

HomePod Mini 2 & HomePod 3: Anticipated Design Modifications

Recognizable Look with Possible New Color Choices

The HomePod Mini 2 is anticipated to maintain its existing design, which means it will remain a compact, spherical unit enveloped in Apple’s signature 3D acoustic mesh. While the fundamental shape won’t change, Apple may introduce new color options, allowing users to further personalize their speakers to fit their interior designs.

Full-Size HomePod 3 Might Incorporate a Touchscreen

For the HomePod 3, considerable alterations could be on the way—most notably, the potential addition of a full-color touchscreen on the top. Currently, the HomePod features only a glowing interface with swirling lights when interacting with Siri. However, leaks indicate that the new version might display playback controls, album art, and even caller images.

This would signify a significant upgrade in usability, aligning it more closely with the capabilities of devices like the Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub.

Internal Improvements: A More Robust Smart Speaker

A Fresh Processing Chip for Enhanced Performance

The current HomePod models utilize the S5 chip, which first appeared in the Apple Watch Series 5. The HomePod Mini 2 and HomePod 3 are expected to experience a boost in processing power, although the specific chip is not yet known. Apple might choose a newer Apple Watch chip, an A-series chip, or even an entirely different option.

New Wireless Chip and Wi-Fi Upgrades

A significant rumored enhancement is Apple’s proprietary “Proxima” wireless chip. This would be Apple’s first in-house wireless chip (aside from the C1 modem found in the iPhone 16e).

Reports suggest that Proxima will first appear in smart home products before it extends to other devices within the Apple ecosystem. Initially, leaks claimed it would support Wi-Fi 6E, but some speculate that Apple might leap directly to Wi-Fi 7, ensuring robust connectivity moving forward.

In addition to standard wireless advancements, these new chips could also serve as Wi-Fi range extenders, enhancing home network coverage when multiple HomePods are interconnected.

Enhanced Siri Functions

More Intelligent Voice Commands and Increased Responsiveness

While the HomePod Mini 2 and HomePod 3 are reportedly not going to include Apple Intelligence (Apple’s AI initiative), Siri is still poised to receive incremental enhancements.

At present, Apple’s voice assistant behaves inconsistently across different devices. On iPhones, users have the option to alter commands mid-sentence, and Siri adjusts in real-time (e.g., “Turn on the lights in the living room—wait, I meant the kitchen”). However, this feature is not available on HomePod, Apple TV, or Apple Watch.

Apple aims to harmonize this experience across its ecosystem, making Siri more instinctive and responsive on smart speakers.

Projected Audio Upgrades

Superior Sound Quality and Audio Processing

Apple has consistently prioritized audio excellence in its HomePod range, and the 2025 models are expected to uphold this tradition. Considering the multi-year interval between releases, it’s reasonable to anticipate better sound drivers and enhanced audio processing for a richer, more immersive listening experience.

The HomePod 3 will likely continue to support Dolby Atmos and spatial audio, making it an outstanding companion for Apple TV setups.

HomePod Mini 2 & HomePod 3: Anticipated Release Date and Pricing

When Will the New HomePods Launch?

Although Apple hasn’t officially announced a release date, various reports indicate that the HomePod Mini 2 and HomePod 3 will be unveiled sometime in 2025.

Apple is also developing a smart home display, which was initially predicted for spring 2024 but is now believed to be slated for late 2024 or early 2025. It seems plausible that Apple will debut the new HomePods, the smart display, and an updated Apple TV simultaneously to foster a cohesive smart home ecosystem.

Price Expectations

Historically, Apple has positioned its HomePod range with the following price points:

• HomePod (full-size) – $299
• HomePod Mini – $99

However, with the introduction of the smart display, Apple might revise its pricing strategy. Analysts speculate that the HomePod 3 could decrease to $249, while the HomePod Mini 2 might be priced closer to $79.

By implementing a tiered pricing model, Apple could enhance its competitiveness against Amazon Echo and Google Nest Audio in the smart speaker arena.

Conclusion

The HomePod Mini 2 and HomePod 3 signify Apple’s ongoing dedication to the smart home landscape. While Siri may still trail behind competitors such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, Apple’s emphasis on audio quality, seamless integration, and improved connectivity makes these forthcoming speakers exciting additions to the lineup.

With potential touchscreen capabilities, improved processing power, and Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7, Apple users will have enticing incentives to upgrade.

As we await official confirmation, keep an eye out for further leaks and updates surrounding Apple’s smart speaker initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will the HomePod Mini 2 and HomePod 3 support Apple Intelligence?

No, current leaks suggest that Apple Intelligence will remain exclusive to products like iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro. However, Siri on HomePod is expected to receive minor enhancements in responsiveness and functionality.

2. What new features will the HomePod 3 have?

The HomePod 3 is rumored to incorporate a full-color touchscreen, improved wireless connectivity, and superior sound quality. This would enable it to compete more effectively with smart assistants from Amazon and Google.

3. When will the new HomePods be launched?

The HomePod Mini 2 and HomePod 3 are anticipated to debut in 2025, likely alongside Apple’s smart home display and a new Apple TV.

4. What will the HomePod Mini 2’s price be?

Speculation suggests that Apple may lower the price of the HomePod Mini 2 to $79, enhancing its competitiveness in the smart speaker landscape.

5. Will the new HomePods enhance Siri’s voice recognition?

Yes, Apple is striving to enhance Siri’s consistency across devices, allowing users to adjust commands mid-sentence, a feature available on iPhones but currently absent from HomePods.

6. Can the HomePod 3 function as a Wi-Fi range extender?

Rumors indicate that Apple’s new Proxima wireless chip may enable HomePods to serve as Wi-Fi range extenders, improving home network coverage.

7. How will the HomePod 3 interact with Apple TV?

The HomePod 3 will likely continue to support Dolby Atmos and spatial audio, making it an ideal speaker for home theater setups when paired with Apple TV.

Stay tuned for more updates as we edge closer to the official 2025 launch!