Apple HomePod mini 2 Development Complete After Six Years, Chip Upgraded

After six years of silence, Apple has reportedly completed development of the second-generation HomePod mini. The new smart speaker is said to bring significant internal upgrades, including a faster chip and support for advanced AI features.

S10 chip delivers 50 percent performance boost

The HomePod mini 2 will swap the original S5 chip for the S10 processor found in the Apple Watch. This change alone delivers roughly 50 percent better CPU and GPU performance, according to Bloomberg. The enhanced Neural Engine also paves the way for on-device AI capabilities.

Specifications

• Processor: S10 chip (same as Apple Watch)
• CPU/GPU performance: ~50% improvement
• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E (6 GHz support)
• Bluetooth: 5.3
• UWB chip: Second generation

Connectivity gets a major overhaul. The speaker now supports Wi-Fi 6E, which adds the 6 GHz band for faster and more reliable wireless streaming. Bluetooth jumps from 5.0 to 5.3, and the ultra-wideband chip moves to a second-generation design for improved spatial awareness.

Connectivity and audio hardware also upgraded

Audio hardware sees two key improvements. The full-range driver has been redesigned to deliver better low-frequency response and clearer mid and high frequencies. The microphone array is also optimized, promising higher voice recognition accuracy even in noisy rooms.

Bloomberg reports that internal hardware testing began months ago at Apple's Cupertino headquarters. The same source indicates that a new Apple TV is also in testing, though details on that device remain scarce. No release date or pricing has been mentioned.

The original HomePod mini launched in 2020 with an S5 chip and Wi-Fi 4. The new model closes a six-year gap with a comprehensive spec bump that brings it closer to the performance of Apple's wearable line. The focus on AI and connectivity suggests Apple is positioning the speaker as a smarter home hub.

What is confirmed: the HomePod mini 2 exists in a completed development state, carries an S10 chip, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, a second-gen UWB chip, a redesigned driver, and an improved microphone array. Everything else remains unconfirmed until Apple makes an official announcement.