The new HomePod second-generation

AppleInsider may earn an affiliate commission on purchases made through links on our site.

The HomePod launched as a product without an real home. It was generally received well — including by us — on factors other than price. By any measure, though, it didn't sell well at launch.

Weak demand necessitated a price drop of the HomePod from $349 to $299 to spur sales. It still wasn't enough, and Apple unceremoniously unplugged the first-generation HomePod following the success of the much more affordable HomePod mini.

The secondhand market then flourished. HomePods sold on eBay sold well above their original price as users lusted after the larger sound.

In an about-face several years later, only lightly heralded by the rumor mill, Apple resurrected the full-size HomePod with a new second-generation unit that bears a striking resemblance to the original but with all-new internals and extra features.

We will likely never know the whole story, but there's a strong probability that this new HomePod was pushed back by Apple as supply chain drama grew over the summer and into the fall. It wouldn't have surprised us if Apple originally planned to release the updated HomePod in its September keynote alongside the new iPhones.

The 2022 date printed on the bottom of the box reinforces this, plus the HomePod ships with software version 16 installed out of the box.

A postponement near last-minute would explain why version 16 of the HomePod software contained few new features. Apple instead shipped a slew of new features with the just-released HomePod software version 16.3, which also arrived for the HomePod mini.

The new HomePod looks much like the original, though it is very slightly smaller. It measures 6.6 inches tall, exactly twice the height of the HomePod mini.

The new HomePod is .2 inches shorter

Around the outside is Apple's in-house designed audio mesh which comes in white or Midnight, replacing the Space Gray. Midnight looks strikingly similar to Space Gray but has a very slight blue hue.

On top is a large touch-sensitive surface used to control playback, invoke Siri, and adjust the volume. The backlight has expanded this time, lighting up the whole area with multi-colored lights when Siri is listening.

The new etched volume buttons

Apple used to identify the volume controls by illuminating them from behind. On the new model, Apple pulled from the HomePod mini's design and uses etched symbols instead.

It's hard to see the volume controls during music playback

The problem with the etched symbols is that when music is playing, the soft glow that emits from the center obfuscates them. It's hard to tell precisely where you need to touch to adjust the volume.

A non-slip surface covers the bottom that has the exact same issue the original HomePod had — it will leave rings on some finished wood tables.

We're trying to understand why Apple didn't opt for some other material on the base as they did with the HomePod mini. The fisheye discoloration is common with silicone rings on electronics on finished wood tables, and Apple's material engineers have to know this, as it is in no way a new phenomenon.

Arguably, though, since it's a known phenomenon — and has been for about 50 years — they knew it from the start with the original HomePod. Perhaps they didn't care then, and still don't.

The power cable can now be easily removed

In a big win for repairability, Apple has chosen to include an easily removable power cable. The power cable has a proprietary end with a cover that presents a seamless look but can easily be pulled free.

The cable has a braided exterior and is color matched, portraying a polished look. In a pinch, you can swap it for nearly any standard C7 power cable you have on hand.

Apple is no stranger to C7 cables. The Apple TV and Mac mini use them, after all. Of the dozen or so we tried, not every replacement cable worked, but most did.

Within the HomePod's mesh exterior sits a four-inch woofer and five horn-loaded tweeters. This is a downgrade from the OG HomePod's seven tweeters in number only.

The same goes for the microphones that dropped to four from six, though we noticed no difference when calling on Apple's titular assistant.

HomePod mini and the new HomePod side by side

An upgrade from the iPhone 6's A8 processor, Apple is using the S7 SoC. It's the same chipset found in the Apple Watch Series 7.

Other new internals includes room-sensing capabilities without the need for a dedicated accelerometer and environmental sensors for the smart home user — more on that later.

It also supports Thread and is equipped with Apple's ultrawideband U1 chip.

Some aspects took a step backward, though. Because of that A8, Wi-Fi got a downgrade to 802.11n from 802.11ac, which Apple says is capable enough for music streaming while being more energy efficient.

This is fine. You won't be able to hit any bandwidth limites on 802.11n while streaming music, no matter how complicated.

HomePod still doesn't have a proper display — we yearn for Apple to release some version of a tabletop HomePod-iPad combo device — so to interact, you primarily use Siri or the AirPlay menu on your other devices.

Compared to not only the first HomePod but the HomePod mini as well, Siri is far faster. Siri responds quickly to our requests and sets scenes much more expeditiously.

The top spins and displays vivid colors when Siri is listening

Siri has learned new tricks recently, such as the ability to ask where friends and family members are that are shared via the Find My app and you can set up reoccurring smart home automations just by using your voice.

Siri still needs to Boost compared to other virtual assistants. Sometimes we'd say, "Siri, close the bedroom shades," and Siri would respond "there are no devices in the studio that can be set to that position."

That's wrong on two levels because the studio does have shades, and we specifically asked about the bedroom. How it misconstrued this request evades us.

There are also inconsistencies with other requests. You can ask Siri to open the shades daily at 6 AM on your HomePod, but if you ask on your Apple Watch, Siri says she can't do that.

Siri has plenty of privacy benefits and has come a long way since it was released, but it's clear Apple still has improvements that it needs to make.

For smart home users, the second-generation HomePod is substantially more capable. It works as a Home Hub for Homekit and as a Matter hub.

A Home Hub in Apple Home is necessary for remote access, running automations while you're away, and processing HomeKit Secure Video.

It is a Thread border router, bridging any Thread-enabled accessories to your network and expanding your Thread mesh network throughout your home.

HomePod now has humidity and temperature sensors

An environmental sensor will also display the temperature and humidity of its encompassing room within the Home app. You can ask Siri what the temperature or humidity is, or look in the Home app to see these.

These sensors can be used in automation routines like closing the shades during the day if the temperature rises too high or turning on the dehumidifier if the humidity level reaches a certain threshold.

The features add up to an excellent smart home brain, even if Siri still has room to grow.

It still has the intercom feature, allowing you to make announcements to specific rooms or people. Just say, "tell the whole home dinner is ready," to send everyone running.

That said, the HomePod mini can do this at a much lower price. What separates the two is audio quality.

HomePod has a larger design that leads to much more internal volume, as compared to the HomePod mini. It outputs much more bass and can fill larger rooms with ease.

You can pair two second-generation HomePods together in a stereo pair which sounds excellent. It's an easy comparison to the HomePod mini but generation over generation, not all that clear.

Opinions vary on this within the AppleInsider staff, but overall, we think the new HomePod does sound better than the original — but not by a large margin. There's more separation in the layers with more fidelity on the high end.

That's especially good with the reduction in tweeters. The bass is still heavy, putting out the low end on plenty of rock tracks on our testing playlist.

Other reviewers have said they sound near indistinguishable. Your mileage may vary based on what you listen to and how.

Use the new U1 for audio handoff

Just like the HomePod mini, the new HomePod has Apple's U1 chip which can help place objects in 3D space. It improves the handoff experience with your iPhone.

Bring your phone near the HomePod, and the vibration gets stronger before it almost "pops" as it passes the audio from your phone to the speaker. It works in reverse as you transfer the music from the HoemPod back to your phone.

This works for phone calls too which is handy as you walk through your home's door and you want to pass the call to the loudspeaker.

You can also use two HomePods with your Apple TVApple TV. Two HomePods support Dolby Atmos spatial audio, though your experience will vary based on your room setup.

HomePod sounds better than HomePod mini, when compared one-on-one. Two HomePod minis sound about as good as a single full-size HomePod, and you get stereo separation.

For your TV, two HomePods sound better than the majority of $500 soundbars.

HomePod is a great speaker. Apple upgraded Siri with new abilities, improved the audio, boosted the processor, and retained the decreased price versus the original release. In doing so, Apple bolstered its place in the smart home.

Other than one-on-one sound quality and volume, it does everything on the same level as the HomePod mini. Apple didn't introduce anything new with the updated HomePod over the HomePod mini other than the removable power cable.

HomePod mini is still right for most users

The new HomePod is a very safe upgrade from Apple, but doesn't do much to justify its $300 price tag. $249 sounds like a better price tag for the big HomePod as-is, especially with new competition from Sonos on the horizon. We'll be talking more about how it compares to alternatives in the coming weeks.

There is certainly a market for the large HomePod. But, we can't say Apple has done enough with the new model, to help it grow.

• Better, louder sound than the HomePod mini
• Great smart home capabilities with sensors, Thread, and Matter
• Fantastic Apple TV companion
• Easy setup
• Multi-room audio with AirPlay 2 devices

• Siri still needs improvement
• Volume buttons are hard to see
• No new colorways
• Slightly too expensive

The M2 Pro Mac mini

AppleInsider may earn an affiliate commission on purchases made through links on our site.

Updated February 15 with Geekbench 6 scores

The Mac mini has always been an effective entry-level option for upgraders and switchers who already have a keyboard, mouse, and display, but just need the brains of the operation.

There has always been a narrow computing power range in that small block, but until now, it never spanned that much of the performance spectrum. If you wanted more power than that fairly small range, you could get a MacBook Pro, a Mac Pro, or more recently, a Mac Studio.

Even going into the Apple Silicon era, the first wave of releases only offered minor variations of the M1, with no option for anything more impressive like the M1 Pro, M1 Max, or M1 Ultra. Stretching that far means a change to an entirely different model.

However, for the 2023 model, Apple's spec bump update is a fair bit beyond what happened last time. Sure, you could get an M2 chip, but now you can go up to an M2 Pro if you need that extra performance.

Providing access to two chip tiers means you could use it as an entry-level model or opt for something more impressive.

We keep saying that the Mac mini is a known quantity in Apple's lineup. The M2 Pro option brings it to a new and exciting level.

If you've just finished practicing the M2 Mac mini review, you are probably expecting that this is going to be highly similar in many ways. You would be right.

Many elements of the M2 Pro Mac mini are unchanged from the M1 or M2 versions.

The M2 Pro Mac mini is still 7.75 inches wide and deep and 1.41 inches in height, so it'll still slot in with any docks or accessories that rely on the physical dimensions of the model.

M2 Pro Mac mini has the same form factor

This curved square of aluminum is a little heavier in its M2 Pro variation, weighing in at 2.8 pounds or 0.2 pounds heavier than the non-Pro edition. The weight difference is likely due to a change in thermal management rather than an externally-present change.

One of the only real signs it's an M2 Pro model is around the back, where the ports reside. Instead of two Thunderbolt 4 ports, the count has increased to four.

Apple knows what it's doing when it considers target audiences. The M2 variant will appeal to families and casual users who don't have a lot of peripherals. Not only do "pro" users often have more gear to attach, but there is an increased likelihood they're high-speed Thunderbolt devices.

We'd have loved to have a couple of front-facing ports for quickly connecting a charger or flash drive, but that's what the Mac Studio is for.

While Apple is rumored to be working on a significant change to the design, including plexiglass-like covers, it's not here, and it's not clear if it ever will be. That's not a bad thing, as the current design of the Mac mini has stayed around for so long because it works so well.

It's a shame that it's not all-new, but it's not a problem either.

There are two variants of the M2 Pro available to purchase. The first is the 10-core version, which includes six performance cores, four efficiency cores, and a 16-core GPU.

The other is a 12-core model with eight performance cores and four efficiency cores, plus an upgraded GPU with 19 cores.

The M2 and M2 Pro versions are very similar

There's also the 16-core Neural Engine in the M2 range, which sees its performance boosted from 11 trillion calculations per second in the M1 to 15.8 trillion.

Both M2 Pro versions have a memory bandwidth of 200GB/s, double the M2 variants. The amount of unified memory available is also higher, starting at 16GB and going up to 32GB.

Like the M1 Pro, the M2 Pro continues to house the Media Engine, namely hardware-accelerated encoders and decoders for H.264, HEVC, ProRes, and ProRes RAW footage. Here, there's one each of the video decode and encode engines, plus a dedicated ProRes encode and decode engine.

In this review, we tested the 12-core M2 Pro with the 19-core GPU, 512GB of SSD storage, and 166GB of memory. Other than the memory and storage, this machine is maxed out.

The back of the Mac mini has always been where Apple congregates the ports, and given the thin box design, it makes sense to do so from a manufacturing standpoint. Since it also pushes all the wiring to the rear, it's good for aesthetic reasons too.

Like the M1 and the M2 models, the back includes the 40Gb/s Thunderbolt 4 ports, which support USB 4, USB 3.1 Gen 2, DisplayPort, and other older standards. With four ports instead of two, this can enable more hardware to be connected directly to the unit, without running out of connections.

To the right are two USB-A ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack with support for high-impedance headphones. Access is still awkward if you're reaching around blindly and one of the USB ports is occupied, but it's not a massive headache.

There's also the customary HDMI port, in case you don't have a DisplayPort or USB-C display.

For the Pro model, the supported display count is higher, from two to three displays. It's possible to have two 6K 60Hz screens over Thunderbolt and one 4K 60Hz HDMI display running simultaneously, or one 6K 60Hz over Thunderbolt and a 4K 144Hz screen over HDMI.

If you use one monitor, that HDMI port can handle an 8K picture at 60Hz, or a 4K resolution at 240Hz.

To the left is the Gigabit Ethernet port, upgradable to 10Gb Ethernet if you need the extra speed, the power connection, and the power button.

For wireless connectivity, Apple includes an update to Wi-Fi 6E, which will be helpful on Wi-Fi networks that support the standard. Bluetooth 5.3 is also in use instead of Bluetooth 5.0.

The headphone jack and the typical built-in speaker handle Non-HDMI audio duties. That speaker will do at a pinch, but you're better off employing a TV's speakers over HDMI or hooking up something to that headphone jack.

The base M2 Pro Mac mini is $1,299, which nets you the 10-core M2 Pro with the 16-core GPU, 16GB of unified memory, and 512GB of SSD storage.

Upgrading to the M2 Pro with the 12-core CPUT and 19-core GPU costs an extra $300. If you want 32GB of memory, that's $400 more, and 10-gigabit Ethernet is $100 extra.

Storage upgrades, as usual, are expensive at the time of configuration. From 512GB to 1TB, it's an extra $200, with another $400 getting you to 2TB, a further $600 again to 4TB, and an eye-watering $1,200 on top of that to get the 8TB model.

Memory upgrade options on M2 Pro Mac mini

With the top chip and memory, the price for the unit goes from $1,299 to $1,999, if you keep storage at 512GB. Bumping up to 8TB as well brings the maximum cost to $4,499.

Since you cannot upgrade or change internal components after purchase, a recommendation for saving money would be to put the budget into the memory and chip upgrades and minimize your storage increase.

Using an external SSD or NVMe drive attached to one of the four Thunderbolt ports will still deliver you high-speed and accessible storage with real-world speeds of up to about 3GB/s, and notably less expensive than Apple's pricey upgrades.

The M2 Mac mini had a solid improvement compared to the M1, so we expected similar results on the M2 Pro. As it uses the same CPU cores, just more of them, the single-core Geekbench 5 results are nearly identical.

We got 1951 on the M2 and 1953 on the M2 Pro. These compare favorably to 1688 scored by the M1, representing a roughly 15 percent gain. Apple promised up to 18 percent faster CPU, so these numbers aren't far off.

Single-core Geekbench results

With the additional cores, the M2 Pro version of the Mac mini flies. It notched an impressive 15172 on the multi-core test. Again, that's comparing the 12-core M2 Pro versus the 8-core M2.

Multi-core Geekbench results

Under the newly-released Geekebench 6, we saw 2656 and 14317 on the single and multi-core tests respectively.

On Cinebench R23, the M2 Pro Mac mini earned a 14792 on the multi-core test, which is incredible when the M1 Max Mac Studio only scored 12389.

The M2 Pro edition of the Mac mini puts the pint-sized processing device into new territory. Sure, it provided more than enough performance for computing tasks in its previous guises, but now it's pushing to new heights.

Indeed, with high performance in the Mac mini form, it does raise the question of whether it's worth getting the M1 Max-equipped Mac Studio.

Bring your keyboard, mouse, and display

The 12-core M2 Pro outpaces the 10-core M1 Max found in that machine. You can pick up the new 10-core M2 Pro Mac Mini for $1,300 while the M1 Max Mac Studio starts at $2,000 — a $700 savings with similar performance.

Spending another $300 gets you a 12-core M2 Pro Mac mini, still a $400 savings and now better performance. Mac Studio has more ports, but if you're comfortable with Ethernet, four Thunderbolt, HDMI, and two USB-A, the Mac mini wins out.

Plus, the Mac mini has extra benefits the Mac Studio doesn't, such as support for 4K 240Hz and 8K displays.

There are still many justifications for going to the Mac Studio, including the far higher CPU and GPU core counts, higher memory options, and the sheer novelty of having something that looks like a chunky Mac mini on your desk.

The Mac Studio is still the choice of users who want Apple Silicon performance on their desks. The M2 Pro Mac mini doesn't quite reach that level, but it still offers more than enough to keep demanding users happy without needing to pay for the steroid-consuming Mac Studio.

The new Mac mini is a great machine

If Apple comes out with an M2 version of the Mac Studio housing an M2 Max and M2 Ultra, the M2 Pro Mac mini will easily slot in as the option between the M2 value proposition and the upper tier model.

But for the moment, it is a great desktop option if performance is needed, but the cost is still a factor.

• M2 Pro chip
• Upgraded CPU and GPU performance
• Compact and understated design
• Four Thunderbolt ports
• Improved HDMI output for high-end workflows
• Wi-Fi 6E
• Lots of existing peripherals to match the existing form factor

• High cost for memory and storage upgrades
• No user upgradability
• No front-facing ports

Every 2023 Mac mini is discounted by up to $200 with promo code APINSIDER at Apple Authorized Reseller Adorama.