Apple HomePod Mini launched at Rs 9,990, will go on sale in November

As expected, Apple HomePod Mini was launched on Tuesday night in the Apple annual event where the tech giant also unveiled the new line up of iPhones. The HomePod Mini has been launched as a more affordable and compact version of the existing Apple HomePod. The speaker will be available in white and space grey for Rs 9,900 from apple.com, and Apple Authorised Resellers. HomePod mini is compatible with iPhone SE, iPhone 6s or later, or iPod touch (7th generation) running iOS 14; or iPad Pro, iPad (5th generation or later), iPad Air 2 or later, or iPad mini 4 or later running iPadOS 14.

For those unaware, the original Apple HomePod was launched by the company in 2017. 

The new HomePod Mini comes with a fabric cover. Unlike its predecessor, the HomePod Mini comes in a circular design language, very similar to new Amazon smart speakers. The HomePod Mini gets Apple S5 Chip and gets computational audio. 

Like the full-size HomePod, the HomePod Mini still features a mesh fabric exterior in both black and white colors. There is also a small display on top to show the Siri waveform. The HomePod Mini will work as a home intercom system that can functions within the Apple ecosystem. The intercom system connects different Apple products. 

It will have support for Siri which Apple claims is now smarter than before with new words and facts. Apple claims that the device comes with some safety features to keep user data encrypted. The HomePod Mini will be available for $99 and will be open for pre-booking from 6 Nov and will sell in US from 16 Nov. 

During the same launch event, Apple also unveiled the new iPhone 12 models. The new Apple iPhones come with 5G support for the first time which makes them future ready and will ensure higher internet speed as well.  

The India pricing of Apple iPhone as well as Apple HomePod Mini are likely to be announced soon as well.