Apple’s rumored HomePod mini is set to be unveiled during the “Hi, Speed” event next week, according to a pair of early morning reports on Friday. The HomePod mini will reportedly be available for $99 and announced during the event, but availability won’t begin until November.
Today’s report from Kang follows earlier reporting from L0vetodream, who said that a HomePod mini was coming this year but that we should not expect a followup to the full-size HomePod in 2020. Kang is a reliable leaker who shares information on Weibo, with an excellent track record at over 97% accuracy.
Kang reports that the HomePod mini will cost just $99 and measure in at 3.3-inches. It is said to be powered by Apple’s S5 processor, which is the same processor that powers the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 5. For comparison’s sake, the current full-size HomePod is powered by Apple’s A8 processor and measures in 6.8-inches tall.
While the HomePod mini will be announced at next week’s event, Kang reports that it will not be available for pre-order until Friday, November 6 will full availability on November 16/17. Jon Prosser has also corroborated that HomePod mini is coming at next week’s event.
On the flip side, Apple is not quite ready to unveil its new AirPods Studio over-ear headphones, according to Prosser. While AirPods Studio mass production is said to have started, Apple is reportedly not planning to announce the headphones during its October 13 event.
Prosser goes on to say that AirPods Studio will be available in two variants: a “sport-like” variant that will cost $350 and a “luxury variant” made of “leather/metal” for a whopping $599.
