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Apple HomePod Mini Refresh Imminent

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Sunday, February 1st 2026 at 6:25 GMT by Macworld
      Locales: California, UNITED STATES

Sunday, February 1st, 2026 - Signals point to an upcoming refresh of Apple's popular HomePod Mini, as a major unnamed retailer has officially listed the current generation model as 'discontinued.' This move has ignited speculation among Apple enthusiasts and industry analysts, all but confirming months of persistent rumors regarding a new and improved smart speaker. While Apple remains characteristically tight-lipped, the retailer's action offers a substantial indication of the company's plans.

The original HomePod Mini, launched in November 2020, quickly became a favorite amongst smart home users due to its compact size, competitive price point, and surprisingly robust audio quality for its size. However, technology marches on, and Apple typically follows a product refresh cycle of approximately two years. A 2026 release for a new HomePod Mini therefore aligns perfectly with this established pattern.

What Can We Expect from the Next Generation HomePod Mini?

While details remain scarce, the rumor mill has been churning with potential upgrades for the successor to the HomePod Mini. Beyond a potential aesthetic overhaul - some suggest a slight form factor change or updated color options - improvements to audio quality are widely anticipated. The current HomePod Mini delivers impressive sound for its size, but advancements in speaker technology and digital signal processing could allow Apple to further enhance the listening experience.

A key area of focus appears to be smart home integration. Currently, the HomePod Mini supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. However, the biggest expectation surrounds the inclusion of Thread support. Thread is a low-power mesh networking protocol designed specifically for the Internet of Things (IoT). Its benefits are significant: improved reliability, lower power consumption, and increased interoperability between smart home devices. Apple has been a vocal supporter of Matter, a unifying connectivity standard built upon Thread, and integrating Thread support into the new HomePod Mini would solidify its position as a central hub for smart home control.

Why Thread Matters for the Smart Home

Traditional Wi-Fi based smart home devices can often suffer from connection issues due to network congestion or range limitations. Thread addresses these problems by creating a self-healing mesh network. Each Thread device acts as a repeater, extending the network's reach and ensuring that devices remain connected even if one node fails. This is especially important for larger homes or those with thick walls.

The inclusion of Thread would also promote seamless integration with other Matter-enabled devices, regardless of manufacturer. This interoperability is crucial for building a truly unified and user-friendly smart home ecosystem. Currently, setting up and managing devices from different brands can be a frustrating experience. Matter, enabled by Thread, aims to simplify this process and allow devices to communicate with each other effortlessly.

Beyond Thread: Potential Additional Features

While Thread is the most talked-about upgrade, other possibilities are also being discussed. Some reports suggest Apple might incorporate improved far-field voice recognition, allowing the HomePod Mini to better hear commands even in noisy environments. An upgraded processor could also provide faster response times and enable more complex Siri interactions. A slight increase in processing power might also open the door for more on-device processing, reducing reliance on the cloud and improving privacy.

Furthermore, analysts predict Apple may explore expanding the HomePod Mini's role beyond just audio playback and smart home control. Possibilities include improved multi-room audio capabilities and tighter integration with Apple Music and Apple Arcade.

What Does This Mean for Existing HomePod Mini Owners?

Apple is known for providing software support for its products for several years after launch. Current HomePod Mini owners can likely expect to continue receiving software updates and features for the foreseeable future. However, the discontinuation of the existing model signals that Apple is ready to move forward with a more advanced and feature-rich version of its popular smart speaker. For those considering purchasing a HomePod Mini, waiting for the new model might be the wiser choice, especially if Thread support and improved audio quality are priorities.

The retailer's discontinuation listing, while not an official announcement, represents a strong indicator that Apple is on the verge of unveiling the next generation HomePod Mini. The company is expected to officially reveal the new device in the coming weeks, likely coinciding with a major product event.