Apple Brings Four Speaker Surround Sound to HomePod mini 2

Four speakers can handle TV sound

Apple announced HomePod mini 2 today at $149 in the U.S., adding a surround setup that combines four speakers with Apple TV 4K (4th generation) (opens in a new tab). Preorders open today, and the speaker is scheduled to reach stores on October 30.

Works with

Apple TV 4K (4th generation) for four-speaker surround sound; Mac as a default speaker

Price

$149 (U.S.)

Available

Preorders today in the U.S. and more than 23 other countries and regions; in stores beginning October 30

For that surround setup, Apple says the speakers and Apple TV 4K (4th generation) identify where each speaker sits and automatically adjust timing and levels for the room. HomePod mini 2 also supports listening through one speaker, a two-speaker stereo arrangement or a multiroom setup. Its Apple S10 chip processes music as it plays to adjust loudness, dynamic range and acoustic performance.

Apple is taking preorders through its online store and Apple Store app, covering the U.S. plus over 23 other countries and regions. Buyers can choose midnight, white, blue, green or pink. For desktop listening, HomePod mini 2 can be selected as the default Mac speaker for games, movies and FaceTime calls.

Siri AI arrives through a later update

Apple says Siri AI will reach HomePod mini 2 through a future software update, with English availability planned for the UK, South Africa, Singapore, New Zealand, India, Canada, Australia and the U.S. HomePod mini 2 is compatible with HomePod software 27.2.

Apple says the forthcoming Siri AI update will let HomePod mini 2 draw on personal context when paired with an iPhone or iPad enabled for Apple Intelligence, such as looking up a friend’s music recommendation in Messages. Once enabled, Apple says Siri AI will offer conversational features, general knowledge and better music discovery even to users without those devices.

Sound Glow adds lighting on the speaker’s top that responds to bass and treble, with colors drawn from the artwork for the current song. Choosing a soundscape such as rain also produces its own animation.