Report: Apple is Working on New HomePod Mini and Full-Size Model

Apple is reportedly planning to refresh its HomePod family of smart speakers in the coming months. In his latest Power On newsletter (via MacRumors), Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman revealed that Apple could be working on at least four new smart home devices, including an updated HomePod Mini and a new full-sized HomePod.

As you may know, Apple discontinued the original full-sized HomePod in March 2021, a couple of months after launching the HomePod Mini in fall 2020. The first HomePod received a polarized reception due to its high price ($349), lack of features, and Siri’s shortcomings compared to other digital assistants. However, the $99 HomePod Mini made these limitations much easier to swallow.

According to Gurman, this new high-end HomePod could launch in early 2023 and come with the same S8 chip that Apple is planning to use on the upcoming Apple Watch Series 8. There’s also a possibility of Apple integrating a new multi-touch display on this new full-sized HomePod to differentiate it from the updated HomePod Mini that’s also in the pipeline.

In addition to these new HomePod models, the report also mentions that Apple is working on a new device designed for the kitchen that combines an iPad and a speaker with a robotic arm. Lastly, Apple could be planning another smart home device that combines an Apple TV, a speaker, and a FaceTime camera. Gurman believes one of these products could launch in late 2023 or in early 2024, though nothing is set in stone yet.