Apple HomePod mini 2 launched; India Price at Rs. 18,900 with 360-degree audio, Siri AI and Sound Glow features

Apple has launched its next-generation version in the compact smart speaker, the HomePod mini 2 in India. The new model runs on Apple’s S10 chip and HomePod software 27.2. It comes in five colour options: pink, green, blue, white and midnight. Apple will introduce Siri AI support in a future software update.

Features of Apple HomePod mini 2

Siri AI

The HomePod mini 2 features a new architecture built around the latest generation of Apple Foundation Models, enabling support for Siri AI. The upcoming update will bring personal context understanding, expanded general knowledge, more natural conversational responses, improved music discovery and compatibility with additional apps.

When connected to an iPhone or iPad that supports Apple Intelligence, HomePod mini can recognise up to six household members by their voices and securely connect to their devices. This enables personalised experiences across supported apps and features, including Messages, timers and music playback.

Siri AI will be able to use personal context from apps on a user's iPhone or iPad to help with everyday tasks, such as:

• Finding a song recommended by a friend in a text message.
• Creating a reminder associated with a calendar event or location.
• Finding a recipe in an email.
• Adding ingredients to a grocery list.

The assistant can also respond to questions across a wide range of topics using current information from the web and maintain follow-up conversations. Once Siri AI becomes available on a supported HomePod mini 2, its expanded knowledge, conversational abilities and enhanced music discovery features will also be accessible to users who do not own an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone or iPad.

Audio Performance and Sound Glow

The HomePod mini 2 delivers 360-degree audio, using computational audio technology to analyse music in real time and optimise dynamic range, volume and acoustic performance.

The speaker supports several playback configurations:

• Single speaker: Listen through an individual HomePod mini 2.
• Stereo pair: Connect two speakers for stereo playback.
• Multiroom audio: Play audio across multiple rooms.
• Four-speaker surround sound: Pair four HomePod mini 2 speakers with the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K for a surround-sound setup.

For surround sound, the system detects the position of each speaker within a room and automatically adjusts audio timing and levels to suit the environment. The HomePod mini 2 can also function as a Mac speaker for movies, gaming, FaceTime and video calls.

Sound Glow introduces lighting effects that react to music. The speaker's top surface glows and pulses in response to bass and treble, while colours are determined by the album artwork shown in Now Playing. Selected soundscapes, including rain, can also trigger matching visual animations.

Smart Home Controls and Safety

The HomePod mini 2 allows users to control compatible smart home accessories through voice commands. The Home app supports scenes and automations, making it possible to manage multiple connected devices with a single action.

When configured as a home hub, the speaker also enables remote control of compatible accessories through the Home app on an iPhone. Supported tasks include locking the front door, closing the garage when leaving home, lowering blinds, adjusting the thermostat, and switching off lights at bedtime.

Additional smart home features include:

• Sound Recognition: Detects smoke and carbon monoxide alarm sounds and sends notifications to the user's iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.
• Remote check-ins: Lets users listen and communicate with someone at home through HomePod mini using the Home app.
• Doorbell announcements: Works with compatible smart home accessories, including supported video doorbells and cameras, to announce visitors using Face Recognition.

Privacy and Security

Siri AI requests can be processed directly on the device or through Apple's Private Cloud Compute infrastructure, which extends the company's privacy approach to cloud-based processing. Apple says information processed through Private Cloud Compute is not stored or made accessible to Apple or other parties.

Environmental Features

Apple has incorporated recycled materials into the HomePod mini 2 as part of its environmental initiatives. The magnets use 100% recycled rare earth elements, while Apple-designed printed circuit boards contain:

• 100% recycled copper.
• 100% recycled gold plating.
• 100% recycled tin solder.

The speaker also meets Apple's energy-efficiency and safe-chemistry standards. Its paper packaging is entirely fibre-based and designed to be recyclable, supporting Apple's goal of achieving carbon neutrality across its entire footprint by 2030.

Apple HomePod mini 2 Specifications

Pricing and Availability

The Apple HomePod mini 2 is priced at Rs. 18,900 in India. Pre-orders are now open through Apple's India online store and the Apple Store app, with retail availability scheduled to begin on October 30, 2026. Pre-orders are also available in the US and more than 23 additional countries and regions.

Siri AI support will be introduced in English through a future software update in the following markets:

• US
• Australia
• Canada
• India
• New Zealand
• Singapore
• South Africa
• UK