The problem around the Apple HomePod 2 rumors is that they currently center around two separate designs, one with an Apple TV 4K built-in and one without. The only thing for certain at this point, at least, is that Apple HomePod mini will carry the torch for the next six months - not that we’re complaining. It sounds great for its size, and for $99, it introduced a more affordable way to start using HomeKit than previously offered making it one of the best smart speakers you can buy. Here’s everything we know so far about the Apple HomePod 2, HomePod mini 2 or whatever Apple’s next Siri speaker will be called. We’ve gathered all the rumors out there about price and release date, plus what we want to see; we also consider what Apple’s latest HomeKit upgrades could mean for HomePod.
Apple HomePod 2: Possible release date and price
The HomePod mini came out in October 2020, then Apple added a trio of colorful options during an October 2021 product event. Before that, the first HomePod was announced at WWDC 2017. So what does this tell us about the possible Apple HomePod 2 release date? We’re almost due for a new HomePod, whether it be later this year or sometime in 2023. Apple is back to bringing hardware to WWDC — it just launched the MacBook Air M2 and MacBook Pro 2022 with the Apple M2 chip — so the next HomePod could arrive at the next developer’s conference, if not before at its upcoming September event. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the HomePod 2 may be ready for Q4 2022 or Q1 2023. A launch alongside the iPhone 14, Apple Watch 8 and perhaps the AirPods Pro 2 ahead of the holiday season seems more likely. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has now also reported we will see a new HomePod in 2023 which will be a combined Apple TV and smart-speaker device with a camera for FaceTime. As for the Apple HomePod 2 price, it will depend on the size and design. If it’s a direct follow-up to the HomePod mini, we expect it to maintain the $99 price tag. If it’s a larger speaker, perhaps with a display and better audio hardware, the price could fall closer to the Sonos One ($219) or original HomePod (originally $349, then $299.)
Apple HomePod 2: Design
Unlike the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch designs, which remain mostly the same year-to-year with the occasional big change, there’s not really an “established” HomePod design. The first HomePod was large and cylindrical, while the HomePod Mini is compact, round and features a flat top with colorful status lights. The Apple HomePod 2 design might maintain a mostly-mesh exterior, but could also explore new form factors. There have been rumors of Apple planning to make one of the best smart displays, or a HomePod with a screen; however, Ming-Chi Kuo tweeted “there may not be much innovation in hardware design.”
Apple HomePod 2: Latest HomeKit upgrades
One sign Apple could be working on a next-gen HomePod is the continued improvements to HomeKit. At WWDC 2022 Apple showed off a refreshed version of the HomeKit app in iOS 16, promising “faster, more reliable performance.” From what we saw demoed during the keynote, HomeKit-compatible devices seem better organized in the updated app. There’s quick access for frequently-used devices, and a new multi-cam view for seeing feeds from all the best security cameras in your home at once. You can also customize the icons and icon colors of each of your connected products. It’s easier to give kids control to select HomeKit devices, too.
Apple HomePod 2: What we want to see
There are a handful of Apple HomePod 2 wish-list upgrades we’ve come up with based on what’s missing from the HomePod mini, and what we like about other smart speakers. Here’s what we want to see from the HomePod 2. Portability: If it doesn’t have a display, we’d like to see the HomePod 2 have a wireless or portable option with a built-in battery. Similar to the Sonos Roam or Bose Portable Home Speaker, the next HomePod could double as one of the best Bluetooth speakers. Of course, it’ll need to offer substantial durability and battery life to be suitable for outdoor use. Support for third-party music streaming services: The one thing we’d change about the current HomePod is its compatibility with third-party streaming services (or lack thereof.) While Apple Music is one of the best music streaming services, we also like Spotify, Tidal, Pandora, iHeartRadio and more. You can technically send most audio from your iPhone to a HomePod speaker via AirPlay, but it would be nice to ask Siri to play an exclusive Spotify podcast trouble-free.
