The HomePod mini 2 has also been updated for Siri AI. Right off the top, the speaker is now powered by the S10 chip, a big upgrade over the S5 that was in the 2020 model. This hardware will eventually enable Siri AI, but the next-gen — or now current-gen — assistant won't be on the HomePod mini 2 at launch. Apple says that feature is coming at a later date.

After hearing two different configurations at Apple's event, I'm convinced this is going to be an audio upgrade for those willing to buy four HomePods. I enjoyed the setup of two second-gen HomePods in the front and two HomePod mini 2 speakers in the back as it offered more bass and rumble during my demo. However, a quartet of HomePod mini 2 speakers holds its own, providing dimensional sound that enveloped the sofa I was sitting on. But again, this is all dependent upon you buying four HomePods and putting them all in your living room, which seems like a rare scenario.

Lastly, I got to hear a pair of HomePod mini 2 speakers being used for audio from an iMac. These new speakers can sync with any Mac over AirPlay to function as a set of desktop speakers. This setup provides an obvious upgrade over built-in iMac speakers, and the stereo pair offered solid directional sound for basic games like Angry Birds. At around $300 for two of the HomePod mini 2, this seems like a more plausible arrangement than the four-pack in the living room.