In a sudden press conference a few days ago, Apple launched a new generation of full-size HomePod. Although the overall design and many functions are similar to the original HomePod that has been discontinued, there are some functions and changes that you cannot see with the naked eye. The author has sorted out the key points of HomePod 2, HomePod and HomePod mini three Apple’s smart speakers, and you can’t go wrong with buying them first!
Comparison of HomePod 2, HomePod and HomePod mini
Before we get into the comparison, let’s take a brief history of the HomePod. Apple launched the original HomePod in 2018. The price was much higher than its competitors at the time, set at $349. After just over a year, Apple lowered the price to $299. In the fall of 2020, the HomePod mini was launched at a price of $99, which was more accessible to the people, and then Apple announced in 2021 that it would discontinue production of the original HomePod.
While many thought the original HomePod was too expensive, it offered features that the HomePod mini mightn’t match, such as more detailed, louder sound, strong bass, support for Dolby Atmos, beamforming, and spatial sensing. Now, the second generation of HomePod is back, equipped with Thread/Matter support, temperature and humidity sensors, and an updated Apple Silicon chip.
Compare: Audio Technology and Features
The main difference between HomePod 2 and the original HomePod lies in the smart functions, connectivity and sensors, and the main audio functions are not much different. The only difference Apple mentions is that the new HomePod has a more advanced audio algorithm, with system sensing for on-the-fly tuning. The original HomePod and HomePod mini had raw audio computing for the instant bar. But I am very happy that spatial audio and Dolby Atmos return together with HomePods 2, making up for the shortcomings left by the mini:
| HomePods 2 | HomePods | HomePods mini | |
| Spatial Audio/Dolby Atmos | ✓ | ✓ | ✘ |
| space sensing | ✓ | ✓ | ✘ |
| Beamforming | ✓ | ✓ | ✘ |
| stereo pairing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| instant tune | Advanced computing with system sensing for instant tuning | Audio Computing for Instant Tuning | Audio Computing for Instant Tuning |
| Multi-space tandem playback | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pairs with Apple TV 4K | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| automatic bass calibration | ✓ | ✓ | ✘ |
※Important reminder: If you want to use HomePods in stereo pairing, they must be of the same model and same generation.
Compare: Smart Features, Sensors, Connectivity
This unit is what makes the HomePods 2 stand out more than the original. The new HimePod 2 supports the latest Thread/Matter protocol, S7 chip and U1 chip are used to improve the connection between iPhones, and has a temperature and humidity sensor like HomePod mini. At the same time, HomePods 2 and HomePod mini are also expected to get the same voice recognition function as the iPhone this spring.
| HomePods 2 | HomePods | HomePods mini | |
| HomeKit+Siri | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Thread/Matter | ✓ | ✘ | ✓ |
| WiFi connection | 802.11n | 802.11ac | 802.11n |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| U1 chip | ✓ | ✘ | ✓ |
| Apple Silicon | S7 | A8 | S5 |
| voice recognition (expected to launch in spring) |
✓ | ✘ | ✓ |
| Temperature and Humidity Sensor | ✓ | ✘ | ✓ |
| walkie talkie | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
The touchscreen at the top of the HomePod 2 looks similar to the original, but is slightly recessed like the HomePod mini, and the surface also appears to glow like the mini. Oddly enough, Apple downgraded the WiFi die from 802.11ac to 802.11n, maybe they think Thread will carry more, or maybe it has something to do with the switch from A-series to S-series Apple Silicon. Apple also skipped the Bluetooth 5.3 upgrade on the new HomePod, but that doesn’t matter since it’s really only used for setup, not for playing music. It’s worth noting that all HomePods will get even more features with the upcoming 16.3 release.
Comparison: Speakers and Microphones
There are some interesting adjustments in the speaker and microphone section. First, Apple says the woofer is bigger, and the new HomePod 2 has a 4-inch long-excursion woofer, though it didn’t say how big it was originally. Other changes are that the original 7-array tweeter has been simplified to 5, and the number of microphones has been reduced from the original 6 to 4.
| HomePods 2 | HomePods | HomePods mini | |
| subwoofer | 4″ long excursion woofer | Long excursion woofer | ✘ |
| Tweeter |
5 beamforming arrays |
7 beamforming arrays | Full range driver Dual Vibration Suppression Passive Radiators |
| far field microphone | 4 | 6 | 4 |
With fewer tweeters and fewer microphones, Apple has to make sure the new one has the same or better sound quality, inputs and outputs than the original, and they describe the HomePod 2 as offering immersive high-fidelity sound.
Compare: Sizes, Colors & Prices
The new HomePod 2 has almost the same size and design as the first generation, and the colors are still only black and white, but his black looks very similar to the space gray of the first generation. If you want more colorful colors, HomePod mini is still only choice.
| HomePods 2 | HomePods | HomePods mini | |
| high | 168mm | 172mm | 84.3mm |
| width | 142mm | 142mm | 97.9mm |
| weight | 2.3 kg | 2.5kg | 345g |
| selling price | $299 NT$9,300 |
$299 NT$9,300 |
$99 |
Summarize
While some may wish for a more substantial upgrade to the HomePod 2, I’m personally glad that the full-size HomePod hasn’t been abandoned by Apple. If you pay more attention to sound quality and want to hear more detailed and more surround sound, HomePod 2 is obviously better than HomePod mini in this regard. For those who want to have Dolby Atmos for home theater system configuration For many people, the arrival of the HomePod 2 is very exciting.