HomePod mini 2 (2026) vs. 2020: Is It Worth Upgrading in Canada?

Apple has finally updated the HomePod mini after six years, introducing a second-generation model with a faster chip, Siri AI support and new audio features. But at $199 CAD, is there enough here to convince owners of the original to upgrade?

The HomePod mini 2 is available for pre-order in Canada starting today, October 13, with availability beginning Friday, October 30. It replaces the original model from 2020, which launched at $129 CAD and was most recently priced at $179.

While the compact design hasn’t changed much, Apple has upgraded the processor, wireless connectivity and software capabilities. Some of those improvements are more useful than others, especially if you already have a HomePod mini at home.

HomePod mini 2 vs. HomePod mini: Specs Compared

Here’s how Apple’s latest smart speaker compares with the original model released in 2020.

Sources: Apple HomePod mini 2 specifications and Apple HomePod model information. Features requiring future software updates are noted above.

Siri AI Is the Biggest Reason to Upgrade

The biggest improvement is Apple’s new Siri AI assistant, which promises more natural conversations, better answers and the ability to use personal information from compatible iPhones and iPads.

For example, Apple says users will be able to ask Siri to find a song recommended in a text message, create reminders based on calendar events or answer more complicated questions using information from the web.

There’s an important catch. Siri AI won’t be available when HomePod mini 2 launches on October 30. Apple says it will arrive through a future software update, including support for English in Canada, but hasn’t provided a specific release date.

Personalized features also require an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad. Once Siri AI is enabled, other household members can use general features such as conversational questions and music discovery without owning a compatible device themselves.

The original HomePod mini will continue handling music playback, timers, reminders and smart home commands, but Apple hasn’t announced plans to bring Siri AI to the older speaker.

At this point, Apple needs Siri to become considerably more useful. Basic commands only go so far, especially when the assistant still struggles with requests that competing AI tools can handle. The promise of Siri AI sounds good, but we’ll need to see how well it works on HomePod mini 2 when it actually arrives.

Will HomePod mini 2 Sound Better?

Apple has replaced the original S5 chip with the S10, giving the new speaker more processing power for computational audio. The company says it analyzes music in real time to optimize loudness, dynamic range and acoustic performance.

However, the underlying speaker hardware remains familiar. Both generations use a full-range driver and dual passive radiators, along with an acoustic waveguide designed to deliver 360-degree sound.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the two models will sound identical, but there’s little reason to expect a dramatic improvement based on the specifications alone. Apple hasn’t provided direct audio performance comparisons between the generations.

For anyone primarily listening to Apple Music, podcasts or internet radio, the original HomePod mini is still a capable speaker. Whether the S10 delivers an audible improvement will need to be tested.

New Surround Sound, Mac Audio and Sound Glow

Beyond Siri AI, HomePod mini 2 introduces several features that weren’t available on the original model, including four-speaker surround sound with the new Apple TV 4K (2026).

The system uses four compatible HomePod speakers arranged in matching front and rear pairs. Apple says it can automatically determine their positions and adjust audio timing and levels for the room.

Buying four HomePod mini 2 speakers costs $796 CAD before tax, plus another $429 for the new Apple TV 4K if you don’t already own one. That’s a total of $1,225 CAD for a complete setup, making it a fairly expensive way to add surround sound.

Mac users also get a new option. HomePod mini 2 can serve as the default speaker for compatible Macs with Wi-Fi 6E or newer, including for movies, gaming and FaceTime calls. The original model supports AirPlay audio but doesn’t offer the same integration.

There’s also Sound Glow, which turns the illuminated top of the speaker into a light display that reacts to music and uses colours from album artwork. It’s a nice visual addition, although probably not something that will convince most people to replace a working speaker.

What Hasn’t Changed?

Both generations continue to work as Apple smart home hubs, allowing users to manage compatible accessories, run automations and control devices remotely through the Home app.

The original HomePod mini already supports temperature and humidity sensing, Thread networking, Intercom, multiroom audio and Sound Recognition for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Those are still useful features in 2026. If you mainly use your HomePod to turn off lights, check the temperature, set kitchen timers or listen to music, the new model doesn’t fundamentally change that experience.

Is HomePod mini 2 Worth $199 in Canada?

For Canadians who already own a working HomePod mini, we’d recommend holding onto it for now. The core audio hardware is similar, everyday smart home functions remain largely unchanged and the biggest promised upgrade, Siri AI, isn’t available at launch.

The new model makes more sense for people who specifically want Siri AI, improved Mac integration or Apple’s four-speaker home theatre system. Even then, waiting for Siri AI to arrive and for independent audio comparisons would be sensible.

For first-time buyers, HomePod mini 2 is the better choice. The S10 chip, Wi-Fi 6E, updated Bluetooth connectivity and additional features make it a more capable option for someone entering Apple’s smart home ecosystem.

You can pre-order HomePod mini 2 from Apple Canada for $199 CAD ahead of its October 30 release.

Are you upgrading your original HomePod mini, or keeping it for another few years?