Siri AI is a tentpole addition to HomePod mini 2, but a CNET report today originally claimed Siri AI was coming to older HomePod mini models too. However, the story has since been updated with a correction and 9to5Mac received a statement confirming Siri AI will be exclusive to HomePod mini 2.
Earlier today, CNET published a report saying that Siri AI is coming to the older HomePod mini. It originally claimed: “the current S5-powered HomePod Mini will also get Siri AI compatibility later this year, along with updates to iOS 27.2.”
This news seemed unlikely given there’s no evidence on Apple’s website or press releases of HomePod mini 1 supporting Siri AI. Add to this, Apple did explicitly say that Siri AI will come to certain older Apple TV 4K models, and included no such assurance for HomePod mini owners.
CNET ultimately updated its article with a correction saying that Siri AI won’t come to older HomePods. This aligns with what Apple told 9to5Mac.
Not that my opinion actually matters but what I think they should do is have the HomeView locally process AI requests made to any Home Device (HomePod or otherwise) that do not natively support AI requests. This way the user can use AI requests throughout their home, they do NOT all need to go to the Cloud, and Apple Customers have another reason to buy the new device.
But, I have 6 HomePod Minis and a Full sized HomePod. I am NOT going to look to Replace all of them just to have AI in each room. Not going to happen. But, I would likely replace the Mini in the Kitchen with a HomeView if it would enable AI throughout the home.
Apple confirmed to 9to5Mac that Siri AI will only be available on HomePod mini 2 as well as Apple TV 4K (2nd generation or later).
The first HomePod mini debuted six years ago, so this isn’t surprising news. The S5 chip is very dated for AI tasks, as evidenced by Apple Watch models requiring much newer chips for Siri AI support.
Would Siri AI support change your HomePod mini 2 upgrade decision? Let us know in the comments.
Read more: HomePod mini 2 vs HomePod mini: Here’s everything new
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Ryan got his start in journalism as an Editor at MacStories, where he worked for four years covering Apple news, writing app reviews, and more. For two years he co-hosted the Adapt podcast on Relay FM, which focused entirely on the iPad. As a result, it should come as no surprise that his favorite Apple device is the iPad Pro.
