Story perspectives

Apple launches HomePod mini 2 with Siri AI, $149

By Drooid · Oct 13, 2026, 6:16 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Apple Announces HomePod

Apple announced the HomePod mini 2, featuring Siri AI and new color options.
Pre-orders start today; the $149 speaker ships in stores on Friday, October 30.
Siri AI, built on Apple Foundation Models, recognizes up to six voices and uses iPhone context.
Siri AI will not be available on iOS or iPadOS in the EU at launch.

Summary

Apple Skips EU

Apple will not sell HomeView in the EU because Siri AI is absent.
HomeView launches in Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, the UK and the U.S.
Singapore price is SGD 399 (about RM 1,275) for tabletop and wall-mounted models.
Wall-mounted version requires separate mounts costing $59.95, $79.95 or $129.95.
HomeView includes Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6.0, Thread and ambient light, temperature, humidity sensors.

History

Historical Context

Apple launched the original HomePod on February 9 2018, capturing about 6 % of the U.S. smart-speaker market and selling roughly 3 million units by mid-year. After discontinuing it in March 2021, Apple introduced the HomePod mini in 2020 and a second-generation HomePod in January 2023, while expanding HomeKit and adopting the Matter standard in 2022 to improve interoperability and meet regulatory expectations.

1 of 3

Apple Announces HomePod

Apple announced the HomePod mini 2, featuring Siri AI and new color options.
Pre-orders start today; the $149 speaker ships in stores on Friday, October 30.
Siri AI, built on Apple Foundation Models, recognizes up to six voices and uses iPhone context.
Siri AI will not be available on iOS or iPadOS in the EU at launch.

1 / 3