The Apple HomePod 2 has now landed for anyone who needs a powerful, iPhone-compatible smart speaker. But Apple’s new wireless marvel has also helped deliver some treats to its little brother; the HomePod mini.
Thanks to a software update coming soon, the HomePod mini (opens in a new tab) You will see some hitherto untapped smart home talent unlocked. One of the biggest new features of the Apple HomePod 2 is some built-in temperature and humidity sensors, which the company says can cause the speaker to automatically close blinds or turn on smart fans.
But in the official Apple HomePod Comparison Page (opens in a new tab), the HomePod mini is also listed with the exact same sensors, even though they’ve never been officially promoted as a feature. That’s about to change thanks to Apple’s upcoming software update.
A iFixit Teardown (opens in a new tab) of the Homepod mini revealed that the speaker does have the sensors made by Texas Instruments to measure humidity and temperature. What Bloomberg reported (opens in a new tab) In 2021, the speaker’s smart home potential has never been fully realized—until now.
With the HomePod 2 offering the exact same features that Apple discussed internally upon its little brother’s launch, Apple will now update the Homepod mini to work in-line with its new wireless speaker.
While the HomePod 2 still has some of the same music inflexibility as its predecessor, including a lack of audio streaming options for Android phones, Apple has long bragged about its smart home potential. Those new sensors will let you check the temperature and humidity in a room, but the most compelling potential is using them to automate aspects of your smart home.
It is not yet clear if the software update will come as part of the release of iOS 16.3 which is rumored to arrive next week (opens in a new tab)But Homepod mini owners won’t have to wait long to try out the new features.
Analysis: Rebuilding the smart home
Apple’s support for the new Matter standard shows that it’s providing another push for a genuinely engaging, rather than frustratingly fragmented, smart home experience. And its two smart speakers, the HomePod 2 and HomePod mini, are a key part of that plan.
The good news for HomePod mini owners is that despite its release over two years ago, the speaker has been secretly harboring some soon-to-be-unlocked smart home talent. Matter is built into Apple’s iOS 16, so you can already use a HomePod mini as a Matter smart home controller.
And those temperature and humidity sensors will finally see some use, thanks to the arrival of the HomePod 2. Currently suggested use cases, like creating automations for fans or shades, aren’t exactly critical and you’ll still need to have them. some compatible smart devices to make use of them.
But they do hint at a long-promised smart home experience that’s hands-free and works in the background to control your home and help lower bills.
Maybe it’s time to start looking for some of the best smart home gadgets.
