NEW HOMEPOD MINI EXPECTED AS RETAILERS LIST CURRENT MODEL AS DISCONTINUED

Apple's HomePod mini appears to be nearing replacement, as major retailers have now marked the current model as discontinued, fueling speculation that an updated version of Apple's compact smart speaker is imminent.

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Reports from Macworld indicate that inventory listings at large U.S. and European resellers show the device as unavailable or end-of-life, suggesting Apple is preparing to introduce a successor after nearly four years without a hardware revision.

SIGNS OF AN UPCOMING MODEL

The current HomePod mini, introduced in October 2020, has remained unchanged since launch aside from minor firmware and color updates. Retail databases now listing it as discontinued typically coincide with the end of Apple's production cycle, which precedes the release of a refreshed product line.

Apple has not announced any new HomePod hardware, but earlier supply chain reports and references in iOS 18.2 beta code point to a next-generation version under internal model identifiers that suggest a similar form factor with new sensors and enhanced processing. Analysts expect the update to feature an S9 chip, the same processor used in the latest Apple Watch models, allowing tighter integration with Apple Intelligence functions introduced this year.

Inventory movements also mirror Apple’s typical pre-launch logistics. Retail partners often begin delisting current SKUs roughly one month before new products reach distribution, particularly when no other model occupies the same price range.