Apple Brings HomePod Mini in Midnight, Bids Adieu to Space Gray
As a total surprise, Apple quietly added a newHomePod mini smart speaker in the Midnightcolor to its existing lineup. The company claims to use recycled mesh fabric to make the outer layer of the Midnight HomePod mini. While the remaining features and attributes are the same as those of other HomePod mini models, the new Midnight color will go on sale from July 17 onward in the US, Canada, China, Singapore, and 28 other countries.
The new Midnight color joins the existing option of White, Orange, Yellow, and Blue. The Space Gray variant is being phased out to welcome this new color. It’s not surprising since the Midnight color will match the second-generation HomePod, which comes in White as well. It’s been a while since the HomePod mini got a proper refresh since its launch in November 2020.
The new HomePod mini color way is a cheeky teaser amidst the rumors of Apple working on a HomePod with a display. 9to5Mac reportedly found mentions oftouchscreen interface references in a beta build of tvOS. That corraborates with the hints thatMark Gurman dropped in February this yearabout the HomePod with a touchscreen display. However, there was no word on whether it would be rectangular like an iPad or circular.
More details on HomePod B720Same panel size and same design with HomePod 2. Screen were bit curved, looks great after got assembled.#appleinternalpic.twitter.com/z8mYgeI3O2
Apple prototype leaker called Kosutami has already shared images of the next HomePod, codenamed B720, with a circular display on the top. While such an HomePod may not be ready for release this year, you can certainly expect it to hit after the company rolls out Apple Intelligence to its existing product lineup.
New picture of the (might be upcoming one) HomePod with display.Glossy, sick, just imagine.#Apple#appleinternal(B720)pic.twitter.com/xMTULXpGw0
HomPod with a circular convex display on top certainly seems interesting, but doesn’t give a clear hints on what can one do with that display on top. Whether it’ll just perform a color blends or pop colors on the tunes, remains to be seen. However, Apple is missing out on a smart speaker with display offering that will compete with likes of Google Nest Hub of Amazon Echo Show 5. Both the latter products have a rectangular display and that might be the last thing Apple would want to add to the crowded smart hub speaker segment.
The HomePod mini in Midnight will cost the same $99 as other color options and is already available to pre-order from the Apple Online store and the Apple Store app.
Samir Makwana
Samir Makwana helps with edits, works on content strategy, and writes (whenever time permits) about Windows, macOS, iPhone, and other tech in general. Before moving to features and tutorials, he wrote news for years and reviewed software and hardware products ranging from audio gear to computers.
