Apple Re-Releases Homepod Mini in Midnight Black, Sparks Discussion Over Next-Gen Model
Apple is relaunching its HomePod Mini in Midnight Black. This brings the smart speaker in line with its second-generation HomePod, which also comes in the same color. Midnight is actually a nearly identical shade of black as the previously available Space Gray.
Aside from the color change, nothing else appears to have changed. Itβs still the same Homepod Mini from 2020. The announcement notes that the device βdelivers big soundβ from its compact frame. At 3.3 inches tall, Appleβs speaker can fill an entire room with audio, or the entire home with multiple Homepods. The exterior is covered in a transparent mesh (made from recycled materials), and thereβs an illuminated touch surface on top.
As before, the Midnight Homepod Mini can control other smart home devices via Siri. Apple reminds people in its blog post that you’ll be able to create automations, get notifications when a smoke alarm goes off, check the temperature in a room and more “hands-free.”
The HomePod Mini in Midnight is available to order for $99 via Apple’s digital showcase along with blue, yellow, white, and orange models. The shipping date is set for July 17. If you prefer to pick it up in person, you can buy the smart speaker on the same date at Apple Store locations in the US, Canada, and 30 other regions worldwide.
In case youβre curious, the image above shows the Homepod Mini in Space Gray on the left and Midnight on the right. Thereβs a slight difference between the two, but we wouldnβt blame you if you didnβt notice it.
Analysis: Next-gen refresh coming soon?
Now, you might be wondering, βDid Apple really re-release the HomePod Mini?β The answer to that question is yes, as far as we can tell. The companyβs announcement doesnβt mention any new features or upgrades. Itβs an identical piece of hardware.
The real news, we think, is not whatβs announced, but whatβs not. One comment we saw online suggested that this reissue could be Appleβs preparations for the second-generation Homepod Mini. Itβs been four years since the device launched in 2020, so itβs long overdue for an update. The Midnight Black refresh could be the company trying to shed some excess product.
Donβt expect the next-gen smart speaker to be released anytime soon, though, as the tech giant could be using the refresh to hold on to users until itβs ready. Thatβs just our theory. Things can always change.
Be sure to check out TechRadar’s list of the best smart speakers for 2024.