Apple will launch new HomePods in 2025. After a long hiatus, an update for the small HomePod mini and the large, full-size HomePod is coming soon. Although Apple has remained tight-lipped, a lot of information and rumors are already circulating. Here's an overview of everything that's been revealed so far—from design and technology to new features, possible pricing, and release dates.
The HomePod had a rocky start for Apple. The first large speaker launched in 2018 but was quickly discontinued due to its high price and limited features. The 2020 HomePod mini gave the product a new lease of life. While it couldn't compete with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, it became popular enough in the Apple ecosystem to later resurrect the larger HomePod. Now, almost five years later, a proper update is on the horizon. The HomePod mini 2 and HomePod 3 are scheduled for release in 2025. Find out exactly what might change here.
Design: The small one stays, the big one gets smarter
With the HomePod mini 2, everything remains pretty much the same. Apple reportedly won't make any major visual changes. It will still be the size of a baseball, with the familiar 3D acoustic mesh on the outside and the small LED display on top. New colors are possible, but not certain. The larger HomePod 3, on the other hand, could see a noticeable design change. Instead of the current light animations on the top, it could have a full-color touchscreen. This could allow you to control playback options, see the album art, or even get a preview of incoming calls. This is still speculation, but leakers like Kosutami support this information, making it more realistic.
Inside: New chip, better Wi-Fi
Both models will see significantly more technological changes. Currently, the HomePods run on the S5 chip, which Apple already used in the Apple Watch Series 5 in 2019. A new internal design is planned for 2025. Exactly which chip will be used is still unclear – it could be a current Apple Watch chip, an A-series chip, or a completely new one. Particularly interesting is the new wireless chip codenamed "Proxima." This is Apple's first proprietary Wi-Fi chip for smart home products. It was first mentioned at the end of 2024 and will initially be used in devices like the HomePod. The Proxima chip is expected to support Wi-Fi 6E – a significant leap forward from the current Wi-Fi 4 standard used in the HomePods.
The chip could also bring additional features, such as the ability to use the HomePod as a Wi-Fi extender. However, it's not yet certain whether Apple actually intends to develop two different chips—one for the HomePods and one for the iPhone 17, which will likely come with Wi-Fi 7. Perhaps there will be just one chip used in both device categories. Wi-Fi 7 would probably be overkill for a speaker, but it can't be ruled out.
Features: Improvements to Siri, but no Apple Intelligence
Voice control via Siri will be improved – but without the new Apple Intelligence, which was announced for 2024. That will remain reserved for devices like the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro. However, the new HomePods are at least expected to have better voice processing. On the iPhone, for example, you can say, "Close the blinds in the living room—no, I mean in the kitchen," and Siri will understand what you mean. The current HomePod can't do that yet. The new models are expected to be better at processing such natural-sounding commands. This will make it easier and less frustrating to use if you change a voice command or don't speak fluently.
Sound quality: Apple wants to improve the sound
There are also likely improvements in sound. Apple will use new drivers and better audio processing to make the sound clearer and more detailed. The HomePod 3, in particular, should benefit from this. Given the long time between models, anything else would be a disappointment. The HomePods can still be combined with Apple TV, for example, for Dolby Atmos sound. In conjunction with a new Apple Smart Display, also scheduled for release in 2025, they could also serve as wireless speakers for video calls or as a control center.
Release date: Realistically, autumn 2025
An exact release date hasn't been announced yet. But it's likely that the new HomePods will be unveiled alongside other Apple smart home devices—such as the new Apple TV or the long-awaited Smart Display. The Smart Display was originally scheduled to launch in spring 2025, but according to insiders, it has been postponed until after WWDC. The earliest possible launch date would be June 2025, but a more realistic launch date is late summer or fall. The HomePods could be part of this smart home initiative and launch at the same time.
Prices: Little change expected
According to current information, prices are expected to remain largely the same. The HomePod mini 2 could still cost €109. The larger HomePod 3 will likely be €349. This would give Apple a clearly differentiated product offering:
- HomePod mini 2: affordable, compact
- HomePod 3: more powerful all-rounder
- Smart Display: High-end smart home device with screen
Such a “good – better – best” model would help to better position the HomePod on the market, especially against strong competition from Amazon and Google.
HomePod 2025: No wow, but many good reasons
The new HomePods for 2025 could be a major step for Apple in the smart home sector. Major design changes will be made only to the HomePod 3, but both models will see significant technical improvements – especially in Wi-Fi, sound, and voice control. While Apple won't introduce any revolutionary new features, the update does bring meaningful improvements to everyday life. So, if you're invested in Apple's smart home world or want to get started, it's worth following developments around the HomePod mini 2 and HomePod 3. Top accessories and HomeKit options – all in our Amazon Storefront! (Photo by Unsplash / Jaime Marrero)
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