When Apple's September show came and went without word from HomePod 2, many fans were disappointed. The long-awaited upgrade of the existing HomePod will be a great addition to the HomeKit lineup, especially given the recent changes to HomeKit in iOS 14.
Just when it takes time to give up hope, however, a famous leaker with a respectable batting average Tweeted: "There is no HomePod 2 this year. There is only one mini. "While a random Twitter user may not seem like the most reliable source in the world, user L0vetodream accurately leaked the Big Sur name, 2020 iPhone SE features, Magic Keyboard release date for iPad Pro and a host of different features. Have done for macOS and iOS.
If L0vetodream is to be believed, HomePod will not be upgraded this year, but there is a better chance of a HomePod Mini announcement. We have been struggling for a long time for Apple to follow this strategy, so we are eager to find out if it is coming true.
The prospect of a smaller HomePod has been close since a Bloomberg report in April this year. The idea was that Apple would release a half-size HomePod at a lower price to fill the void in the market. Given that the current HomePod's price point is one of several reasons that it fails to compete with the Amazon Echo and Nest Audio, a midrange option will appeal to more customers.
While there is much that is not known, some information can be gathered through educated guesses based on the available information.
Pricing
The original price of Apple HomePod was $ 350, but now it has been reduced significantly to $ 300. For Apple employees, HomePod is available for less than that. The company removed two restrictions per customer to allow employees to make more purchases, indicating Apple is trying to clear stock for one reason or another.
In keeping with the new pricing standards, a HomePod Mini is likely to cost between $ 150 and $ 200. Apple products are always priced higher than other devices, so it is impossible to expect a $ 50 price point with the Echo Dot or Nest Mini.
HomePod has always excelled over competition in audio performance. In fact, this is its main selling point (apart from functioning as a HomeKit hub). The audio quality is such that only Google Home Max and Amazon Echo Plus come close to the competition. Both of those devices also have high price points.
The design
Given Apple's approach to aesthetics, the HomePod Mini likely won't look much different from the current HomePod - just smaller. The company has always insisted on designing great looking products. The HomePod itself is already eye-catching, and the Mini is likely to look like a half-size version of the current model.
It's possible that Apple could take a play from Amazon's playbook and include LEDs on the side to display time. If the company expanded the functionality of smart speakers, Siri would be better able to compete against Alexa and Google Assistant.
Since there are only rumors to work, it is difficult to make any definitive statement about the finalization of the HomePod Mini.
Features
Smaller size does not mean fewer facilities. The original HomePod had seven tweeter packs inside, so it's safe to assume that Apple will try to get closer to those specs with the HomePod Mini.
For other features, it is difficult to estimate. Apple has filed patents over the years suggesting that brand-new features may be available. For example, a patent was filed in 2019 recognizing potential Face IDs and hand gestures.
Face ID will add more security to the device, but it also indicates that the new Apple HomePod Mini may support multiple profiles based on facial recognition.
Other patent signals have features such as the ability to display specific icons based on user requests. Of course, this means that there may be an LCD screen somewhere on the HomePod Mini.
Availability
Although the HomePod Mini is still a rumor, the number of leaks revolving around adds to the possibility to some extent. Apple announced another event to unveil more products, including the iPhone 12, on Tuesday, October 13.
The event would be the perfect time to announce the new HomePod, along with a release date. Apple rarely waits more than a few months to be available after a product announcement, so if the HomePod Mini is showcased at the event, it is highly likely that it will be available for purchase by the end of the year Will happen.
Apple has played its cards close to its chest, but some information inevitably leaked. While an upgrade to HomePod would be welcome, there is a gap in the market potential of the HomePod Mini that Apple is currently not taking advantage of.
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