HomePod · mini
2020
HomePod mini
Condensed Apple's computational audio into a 3.3-inch spherical design powered by the Apple S5 chip, introducing the Apple U1 Ultra Wideband chip for proximity handoff, Thread mesh networking, and a $99 price point.
- Announced
- 2020-10-13
- Family
- HomePod
- Branch
- mini
- Historical weight
- Major evolution
Key specifications
Apple verification ↗- Display
- Backlit touch top
- Chip / CPU
- Apple S5 · 1 GHz
- Memory
- 1 GB
- Base storage
- 8 GB
- Ports & charging
- USB-C power
- Weight
- 345 g
- Dimensions
- Softball-sized sphere
- Original OS
- HomePod software
- Launch price
- $99
- Released
- November 16, 2020
- CPU cores
- 2
Generation delta
What changed?
Introduced
11- Design
Compact spherical form factor (84.3 mm tall, 97.9 mm wide) wrapped in seamless 3D-knitt…
Compact spherical form factor (84.3 mm tall, 97.9 mm wide) wrapped in seamless 3D-knitted acoustically transparent mesh fabric, weighing only 345 grams.
- Audio
Apple S5 System in Package (SiP) running complex computational audio tuning models over…
Apple S5 System in Package (SiP) running complex computational audio tuning models over 180 times per second to optimize loudness and dynamic range.
- Audio
Full-range neodymium driver firing downward into an acoustic waveguide that disperses s…
Full-range neodymium driver firing downward into an acoustic waveguide that disperses sound evenly across 360 degrees.
- Product
Dual force-cancelling passive radiators delivering extended bass frequencies without ca…
Dual force-cancelling passive radiators delivering extended bass frequencies without cabinet vibration.
- Audio
4-microphone array (three outward-facing microphones for far-field "Hey Siri" voice cap…
4-microphone array (three outward-facing microphones for far-field "Hey Siri" voice capture, and one inward-facing microphone to cancel out internal audio).
- Display
Apple U1 Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip providing directional proximity awareness, dynamic h…
Apple U1 Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip providing directional proximity awareness, dynamic haptic handoff, and personalized lock-screen media controls when paired with a U1-equipped iPhone.
- Product
Thread mesh networking radio (acting as a HomeKit and Matter Thread border router)
Thread mesh networking radio (acting as a HomeKit and Matter Thread border router).
- Sensors
Built-in ambient temperature and humidity sensor (embedded at launch
Built-in ambient temperature and humidity sensor (embedded at launch; enabled via software in audioOS 16.3).
- Ports
USB-C external power architecture
captive braided cable terminating in a USB-C connector, powered by an included Apple 20W USB-C power adapter.
- Input
Edge-to-edge backlit capacitive top touch disc illuminating with dynamic multi-color Si…
Edge-to-edge backlit capacitive top touch disc illuminating with dynamic multi-color Siri waveforms.
- Software
Intercom messaging platform for family voice announcements across Apple devices
Intercom messaging platform for family voice announcements across Apple devices.
Changed
4- Product
Retail price lowered by 71% from the original HomePod ($99 vs $349)
Retail price lowered by 71% from the original HomePod ($99 vs $349).
- Product
Acoustic architecture transitioned from a multi-tweeter/large-woofer array to a single…
Acoustic architecture transitioned from a multi-tweeter/large-woofer array to a single full-range driver with dual passive radiators and waveguide.
- Silicon
Processor transitioned from an iPhone-derived A-series SoC (A8) to an Apple Watch-deriv…
Processor transitioned from an iPhone-derived A-series SoC (A8) to an Apple Watch-derived S-series SiP (S5).
- Ports
Power delivery moved from an internal AC mains supply to an external 20W USB-C power brick
Power delivery moved from an internal AC mains supply to an external 20W USB-C power brick.
Retired
2- Product
Multi-tweeter beamforming array
Multi-tweeter beamforming array.
- Power
Internal AC power supply
Internal AC power supply.
Retained
1- Software
Seamless mesh fabric aesthetics, multi-room AirPlay 2 streaming, stereo pairing capabil…
Seamless mesh fabric aesthetics, multi-room AirPlay 2 streaming, stereo pairing capability, and computational acoustic optimization.
Canonical predecessor
Starts a new branch