Apple’s upcoming HomePod mini refresh is expected to bring Siri AI to its smallest smart speaker, but owners of the original 2020 model are unlikely to receive the same upgrade. The biggest limitation comes down to hardware, particularly the aging S5 chip that powers the current HomePod mini.
Apple is preparing to unveil its next-generation smart home products at the “Welcome Home” event on October 13. While the new HomePod mini reportedly includes a faster processor designed for Siri AI, Apple has yet to confirm whether existing speakers will receive any of its advanced conversational features.
Why the Original HomePod mini Isn’t Powerful Enough
The original HomePod mini uses Apple’s S5 processor, which first appeared in the Apple Watch Series 5 in 2019. According to Apple’s technical explanation, the chip handles computational audio, including real-time sound tuning and dynamic range adjustments.
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However, Siri AI introduces significantly more demanding tasks, including:
- Understanding conversational questions and follow-up requests.
- Processing personal context to deliver more relevant responses.
- Handling complex instructions involving multiple actions.
- Maintaining context throughout longer conversations.
Apple’s official Siri AI requirements currently exclude HomePod entirely. The company restricts the beta to supported iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Vision Pro models.
Although some AI processing happens through Apple’s servers, compatible hardware remains important for running local models and handling requests efficiently.
HomePod mini vs. HomePod mini 2: What’s Changing?
The next-generation HomePod mini reportedly uses Apple’s S10 chip, replacing the original S5 processor. This represents a substantial architectural upgrade, although Apple hasn’t detailed its AI capabilities.
| Feature | HomePod mini (2020) | HomePod mini 2 (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple S5 | Apple S10 |
| Siri | Standard Siri | Siri AI expected |
| AI conversations | Not supported | Expected |
| Smart home controls | Supported | Supported |
| Wireless connectivity | Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.0 | Upgraded networking rumored |
| Siri AI eligibility | Not listed | Awaiting confirmation |
The new processor should provide additional computing headroom, while upgraded connectivity could improve communication with smart home accessories.
Will Your Existing HomePod mini Still Work?
Yes. Your current HomePod mini will continue supporting its existing features, including:
- Siri voice commands for music, timers, and reminders.
- HomeKit and Matter smart home controls.
- Temperature and humidity monitoring.
- AirPlay, multiroom audio, and stereo pairing.
Existing HomePod mini speakers can also function as home hubs for certain Apple Intelligence-powered smart home features. Apple confirms that some of these capabilities work through a compatible iPhone and eligible iCloud+ subscription.
As we previously reported, Apple has yet to publish a complete HomePod Siri AI compatibility list.
For now, the original HomePod mini has no confirmed path to Siri AI. Apple’s October 13 announcement should clarify whether owners need new hardware or can expect limited improvements through future software updates.
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