Apple HomePod Mini 2: S10 chip, Sound Glow and four-speaker surround sound, at RM649

Apple has announced the HomePod Mini 2, the first proper refresh of its compact smart speaker, which only made its way to Malaysia officially back in 2024. Along with a new chip and new colours, the HomePod Mini 2 can now be used for surround sound with the new Apple TV 4K and even as a speaker for your Mac.

Powering the HomePod Mini 2 is the Apple S10 chip, which uses computational audio to analyse music in real time and optimise dynamic range, loudness and acoustic performance. The audio hardware consists of a full-range driver, dual passive radiators for bass and an acoustic waveguide for 360-degree sound.

For the first time, four HomePod Mini 2 speakers can also be paired with the new Apple TV 4K (4th generation) for four-speaker surround sound, with the speakers automatically detecting their positions in the room to calibrate audio timing and levels. On top of that, the HomePod Mini 2 can now act as the default speaker for a Mac, though this requires a Mac with Wi-Fi 6E or later.

There’s also a new Sound Glow feature, which turns the top of the speaker into a light display that pulses in sync with the music. The colours are matched to the album artwork of the song that’s currently playing, and there are also bespoke animations for soundscapes like rain.

The Apple HomePod Mini 2 is priced at RM649 in Malaysia, available in pink, green, blue, white and midnight. Pre-orders open on 15 October at 9am via the Apple Store website and Apple Store app, with availability starting from 30 October.

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