Apple’s HomePod mini has reached a notable milestone, marking 2,000 days since its original introduction in October 2020.
That longevity is unusually long for an Apple hardware product without a full second-generation refresh. While the device has received minor updates over time, its core design and hardware have remained largely unchanged since launch.
The milestone highlights the HomePod mini’s continued role in Apple’s smart home ecosystem, even as speculation persists about a possible successor that has yet to materialize.
Apple originally introduced the HomePod mini at its iPhone 12 event on October 13, 2020, positioning it as a smaller, more affordable alternative to the full-sized HomePod.
Priced at $99, the device opened for pre-orders on November 6, 2020, and began shipping on November 16. Unlike its premium predecessor, the HomePod mini was designed for broad household adoption, allowing users to place multiple units around the home for distributed smart audio and Siri-based control.
Despite its compact size, Apple equipped it with a number of notable technologies, including the Apple S5 chip, a full-range driver with dual passive radiators, and a four-microphone array for voice recognition. It also supports 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Ultra Wideband for proximity features, and Thread networking, allowing it to function as a smart home hub.
Over time, Apple expanded the color lineup beyond the original white and space gray, adding blue, yellow, and orange options, before later replacing space gray with a “midnight” finish. However, the underlying hardware has remained unchanged, making it one of Apple’s longest-running products without a major spec refresh.
A second-generation HomePod mini is widely expected. Rumors suggest it could include a newer processor replacing the S5 chip, a next-generation Ultra Wideband solution, and Apple’s newer wireless networking silicon. However, reports indicate the refresh may be delayed, potentially tied to Apple’s broader rollout of a more advanced, personalized version of Siri expected alongside iOS 27.