HomePod mini Refresh Appears Imminent as Retail Stock Dwindles
Thinking of buying a HomePod mini? You should wait.
Speculation surrounding an update to Apple’s HomePod mini has reached a fever pitch, as recent supply chain and retail signals suggest a new model may be imminent. Consumers looking to purchase the popular smart speaker are now being advised to wait.
The primary evidence comes from major Apple U.S. retail partner B&H, which has reportedly listed the current-generation HomePod mini as “discontinued.” This move, first spotted by MacRumors, is often a strong indicator that a product is being phased out to make way for a successor.
Adding fuel to the fire, the inventory of the current HomePod mini, which was first released in 2020, appears heavily constrained at other major retailers. Multiple colours are listed as unavailable at stores like Target and Walmart. Even Apple’s own retail stores are showing very limited pickup options for several models.
The original HomePod mini received a colour update in 2021 but has not seen any internal hardware upgrades since its launch five years ago.
According to reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, a refreshed HomePod mini is expected to feature several key internal upgrades. These rumoured changes include:
- A new chip to support enhanced Siri and Apple Intelligence features.
- Improved audio quality.
- An updated wireless chip and a new ultra-wideband (UWB) chip.
Gurman also noted that Apple has tested new colours for the device, including a potential red model.
The timing of these retail changes aligns with separate reports of a potential Apple Store refresh scheduled for as early as 12 November, likely to update product lineups ahead of the busy holiday shopping season.
Here’s hoping the refresh, if it arrives, comes to Malaysia soon as well.
