Although Apple's HomePod mini is a follow up to the original HomePod, the speakers cannot be connected to create a stereo pair. Apple announced the new HomePod mini smart speaker during its October 13 'Hi, Speed' event and it is set to be released over the holiday season, with pre-orders opening on November 6 ahead of the November 16 launch date. In the meantime, more details about the HomePod mini have been surfacing online, and while the majority of them have excited consumers, the compatibility with the existing model is likely to frustrate some buyers.
The HomePod mini does not appear to be a replacement for the original model, but a smaller and more affordable version for those who want it. Both Amazon and Google have taken a similar approach in the past by offering smaller and larger versions of smart speakers that can be used on their own or combined together for fuller and more comprehensive coverage in the home. The two HomePod models can also be connected with one another for home communication via the intercom feature, as well as streaming music across multiple smart speakers, but that appears to be where the support ends.
HomePod mini and original HomePod cannot be connected for creating a stereo system, according to The Loop. While two HomePods or HomePod minis can be connected to an Apple TV 4K to get a theater-like sound experience from a TV, for instance, it won't work for one of each HomePod product. However, the report does also explain an update is coming to the original HomePod that will add support for 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound, as well as Dolby Atmos. This is pivotal for original HomePod owners looking to create or upgrade a sound system for entertainment purposes. As for HomePod mini, it is not capable of supporting these sound technologies due to its smaller size. This is primarily the reason for the two versions lack of compatibility with one another for stereo sound, but it does give the original HomePod another advantage in stores, so that it isn't just marketed as a bigger, pricier HomePod mini.
What To Consider When Creating A HomePod Stereo System
For home and business owners that already use an original HomePod, there are options to consider if one wants to use multiple HomePod speakers for a richer sound experience. Users can consider buying an additional HomePod, and fortunately, the price has gone down from the original $349. Depending on the physical or online retailer, consumers can get a HomePod for between $200 and $300. There is a chance that the HomePod could become even cheaper during major sales events, like Black Friday. Alternatively, consumers can purchase multiple HomePod mini speakers, as they only cost $99 each. From there, owners can either repurpose their original HomePod or sell it to recoup some of the cost of the new mini speakers.
Both HomePod iterations are remarkable pieces of technology that can serve many different purposes. Although they cannot connect with one another for stereo sound, they do offer plenty of features to make a purchase worthwhile. While the HomePod mini is a great entry-level smart speaker, the original HomePod is capable of doing more, as demonstrated by the news of the incoming update. For those considering an Apple smart speaker for other purposes, the HomePod mini will receive many of the same updates over its lifetime, making it a cost-efficient option for virtual assistance, streaming music, and more.
Source: The Loop