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Apple Unveils HomePod Mini 2 and New Security Devices
Confirmed
In Short: Apple has unveiled the HomePod Mini 2, featuring an S10 chip and Siri AI integration, available for preorder starting at $149.
The new HomePod Mini 2 includes a visual feature called 'Sound Glow,' which uses album art to create a visual canvas that glows and pulses in sync with music.
In addition to the HomePod Mini 2, Apple has released six new devices as part of its Home Collection, co-developed with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric.
These devices include two versions of a wired outdoor camera, priced at $399 and $299, with the higher-end model featuring motion-activated floodlights.
Apple also introduced a smart lock from LG, priced at $349, which supports Apple Home Key for hands-free unlocking with UWB technology.
Apple's 'Welcome Home' event on Tuesday showcased these new products alongside a video doorbell and thermostats.
Apple began taking preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on September 12, with the devices set to arrive in stores on September 18.
The iPhone 18 Pro lineup was unveiled during Apple's Surprise and Shine event, with the folding iPhone Duo available for preorder in October.
The Apple Watch Series 12 starts at $399, while the Apple Watch Ultra 4 starts at $799, and both models are available for preorder.
Taiwan's major telecom operators, including Chunghwa Telecom and Taiwan Mobile, reported that preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro series surged nearly 200 percent compared to the previous year.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max was the most popular model, with the 256GB version accounting for about 50 percent of new iPhone preorders.
Apple's new HomePod Mini 2 also includes improved acoustic performance and the ability to control smart home devices through voice commands.
Users can also form a four-speaker home entertainment system with the HomePod mini 2 and the new Apple TV 4K.
What this adds
Apple's HomePod Mini 2 is now available for preorder, featuring an S10 chip and Siri AI integration, which will be available through a future update.
The HomePod Mini 2's 'Sound Glow' feature uses the color scheme of album art to create a visual canvas that glows and pulses in sync with music.
The HomePod Mini 2 can also be the default speaker for Mac for video calls or music playback instead of built-in speakers.
Background
Apple's HomePod Mini 2, featuring Siri AI and new colors, is now available for preorder starting at $149.
What's confirmed
- The new HomePod Mini 2 includes a visual feature called 'Sound Glow,' which uses album art to create a visual canvas that glows and pulses in sync with music.
- In addition to the HomePod Mini 2, Apple has released six new devices as part of its Home Collection, co-developed with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric.
- These devices include two versions of a wired outdoor camera, priced at $399 and $299, with the higher-end model featuring motion-activated floodlights.
- Apple also introduced a smart lock from LG, priced at $349, which supports Apple Home Key for hands-free unlocking with UWB technology.
- Apple's 'Welcome Home' event on Tuesday showcased these new products alongside a video doorbell and thermostats.
- Apple began taking preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on September 12, with the devices set to arrive in stores on September 18.
- The iPhone 18 Pro lineup was unveiled during Apple's Surprise and Shine event, with the folding iPhone Duo available for preorder in October.
- The Apple Watch Series 12 starts at $399, while the Apple Watch Ultra 4 starts at $799, and both models are available for preorder.
- Taiwan's major telecom operators, including Chunghwa Telecom and Taiwan Mobile, reported that preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro series surged nearly 200 percent compared to the previous year.
- The iPhone 18 Pro Max was the most popular model, with the 256GB version accounting for about 50 percent of new iPhone preorders.
- Apple's new HomePod Mini 2 also includes improved acoustic performance and the ability to control smart home devices through voice commands.
- Users can also form a four-speaker home entertainment system with the HomePod mini 2 and the new Apple TV 4K.
What's still developing
- The LG smart lock costs $349 and comes with support for Apple Home Key, allowing you to unlock your door hands-free with UWB.
- However, if you want the folding iPhone Duo, you’ll need to wait until October to place your preorder.
- Rajesh has been writing about consumer technology for over a decade, with a strong focus on iPhones, Macs and Apple’s ecosystem.
- In the United States, prices for the phones are as follows: You can also lease the iPhone 18 Pro through Apple Upgrade.
- Apple began taking orders for its new watches and earbuds following their September 9 unveiling.
- After first unveiling its new AI-powered laptop, dubbed Googlebook, in May, Google on Monday said the new device is now available for preorder for $899.
- Taipei, Sept. 12 (CNA) Apple's latest iPhones -- the iPhone 18 Pro series and the iPhone Duo, the first foldable iPhone -- sold out within two minutes of preorders opening Thursday afternoon, Chunghwa Telecom Co., one of Taiwan's major telecom operators, said late Friday night.
- The telecom operator said it has accepted preorder registrations since Thursday afternoon, with registrations more than double the level recorded last year.
- Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile Co. and Far EasTone Telecommunications Co., three of Taiwan's leading telecom operators, have begun or will soon begin taking preorders, expecting the new iPhones, including the iPhone Duo, to spur a wave of handset upgrades despite higher price tags due to more expensive chips.
- It added that the iPhone Duo sold out within two minutes of preorders opening on its myfone online store.
- The $149 update is $50 more expensive than the original version launched over six years ago in 2020.
- Apple said that with Siri AI, users will be able to have multi-turn conversations, but it didn’t provide a date for when the new assistant will be available to HomePod mini 2 buyers.