Four Years Old and Still Kicking: The HomePod Mini’s Surprisingly Long Shelf Life
Apple’s HomePod mini, the little smart speaker that could, just turned four! Announced back in 2020 alongside the iPhone 12 lineup, this compact audio wonder has managed to stick around while the rest of the tech world races to release new gadgets every other week.
So, what’s the deal with this miniature marvel? Well, for a cool $99, you get impressive sound quality (especially considering its size), Siri at your beck and call, and seamless integration with all your HomeKit-enabled smart home devices. It’s like the younger, more affordable sibling of the full-sized HomePod, which, let’s be honest, is a bit of a splurge at $299.
Over the years, Apple has given the HomePod mini a few cosmetic touch-ups. They added some fun new colors like blue, yellow, and orange, and even swapped out the space gray model for a sleek “Midnight” option to match its big brother. But the core hardware? That’s remained largely unchanged.
Now, you might think, “Four years with the same guts? Isn’t that ancient in tech years?” And you wouldn’t be entirely wrong. Rumors are swirling that a second-generation HomePod mini is in the works, maybe even coming out soon. But the fact that Apple is still selling the original, and that it remains a popular choice for smart home enthusiasts, says something about its enduring appeal.
So, happy birthday, HomePod mini! You may be a little older, but you’re still a solid contender in the smart speaker game.
From the sales floor to the critic's corner, I'm a former Apple Sales Specialist who's not afraid to tell it like it is. Get my honest takes on the iPhone, Mac, and everything Apple. | Los Angeles, California.