Apple HomePod mini now official, available on November 6 in the US!

At the Hi, Speed event, Apple introduces the new HomePod mini with Apple S5 chip offers a 360-degree audio experience for only USD 99.

With deep integration with Siri

Smaller and more affordable HomePod!

Apple HomePod mini in White

In Cupertino, California, Apple unveiled the new HomePod mini. It measures over 3.3-inch tall and Apple claims that it has everything customers want in a smart speaker. The original HomePod launched with a price of USD 349 and was dropped to USD 199 in 2019. 

The new HomePod mini can work with iPhone handoff, music, answer calls, deliver personalized listening suggestions, play music from a Mac and more. It is designed to work with Apple Music, podcasts, radio stations from iHeartRadio, radio.com and TuneIn. Pandora and Amazon Music will also be able to work with it in a few months.

Like the original HomePod, the new HomePod mini features a mesh fabric exterior in both black and white colorways. On top of the speaker is a small display that show volume controls and the Siri Waveforms.

Inside is the Apple S5 chip that uses computational audio processing to adjust sounds at 180 times per second. It also intelligently creates a stereo pairing when two HomePod minis are in the same room.

It also has the U1 chips that came with the iPhone 11 series that creates better Handoff experiences.

It comes with the new 'Intercom' feature

One of the biggest new features is the 'Intercom' where it allows customers with multiple HomePod devices in different rooms to communicate with each other throughout the house. Intercom messages will also appear or play through connected iPhones, iPads, AirPods and Apple Watches.

It effectively becomes a central hub for any HomeKit devices because it enables users to control smart things like lights, door locks, and more.

US price with direct to PHP conversion (no taxes and duties yet):

Apple HomePod mini - USD 99 (or around PHP 4.9K)

It will be available to order this November 6 and ship on November 16 from Apple offline and online stores in the United States. 

There is no word yet on Philippine pricing and availability.

What do you guys think?

Source: Apple