Apple might have scrapped plans for a brand new HomePod mini

With this week’s return of the , you would possibly assume it might make sense for Apple to begin engaged on a brand new . In spite of everything, the corporate hasn’t introduced a {hardware} refresh for the system since its introduction in 2020, and the sensible speaker market is likely one of the . Nonetheless, it seems no such replace is within the works.

In his newest , Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman says he believes the corporate will not be “actively working” on a brand new HomePod mini. Pointing to the second-generation HomePod, he notes it “doesn’t embody any main new capabilities that aren’t already within the $99 mini, so there isn’t an apparent purpose to replace the mannequin.” Gurman suggests Apple is extra seemingly to enhance the mini by releasing software program updates that deal with shortcomings involving Siri and app integration as a result of that’s the place “actual enhancements in all probability have to be made.”

To that time, Apple not too long ago up to date the HomePod mini’s software program to that had been within the system since launch. As Gurman factors out, the newly reintroduced HomePod provides options beforehand unique to the HomePod mini, together with and Thread connectivity.

Whereas a brand new HomePod mini could possibly be years away, Apple seemingly has different sensible house merchandise on the horizon. In August, Gurman reported the corporate was working on a smart display, in addition to a tool that mixes the performance of an Apple TV, digicam and HomePod right into a single providing. On the time, he mentioned these may arrive by early 2024.