Following Apple’s Tuesday HomePod mini unveil, many users were asking whether the new smaller smart speaker could make a stereo pair with the original HomePod. The Loop‘s Jim Dalrymple has an answer.
“The short answer is no,” explains Dalrymple. “You can’t make a stereo pair of a HomePod and a HomePod mini. You can make a stereo pair of two HomePods or two HomePod minis, but you can’t mix and match the two products.”
While a stereo pair isn’t possible, the two devices can be used together. Dalrymple also explains that users with both a HomePod and a HomePod mini in your home, they can be used to play music in different rooms. They will also both work with Apple’s upcoming intercom feature.
Now, if you have a HomePod and a HomePod mini in your house, they will work together so you can play music throughout the house or use the intercom feature. So, they do work together.
There is an update coming for HomePod that will add features announced today as part of the HomePod mini launch. Those new features include Intercom from one HomePod to another, personal update, Maps continuity, multiuser support for Podcasts, support for third-party music services as they become available.
As mentioned by Dalrymple, an update is on the way for the original HomePod that will add many features that were discussed during Apple’s event, including Intercom, personal update, Maps continuity, multiuser support for Podcasts, and support for third-party music services, including Pandora and Amazon music.
An additional upcoming feature will be exclusive to the original HomePod, and it will add “an immersive home theater experience when paired with an Apple TV 4K.” Users with one or two original HomePod speakers will be able to pair them with their Apple TV to get 5.1, 7.1 surround, or Dolby Atmos. The feature requires the spatial sound support of the HomePod, which isn’t available for the HomePod mini.
Dalrymple also notes that while a HomePod and HomePod mini can’t be connected to an Apple TV at the same time, two HomePod minis can be connected to the Apple TV to provide stereo sound.
HomePod mini will be available in white and space gray for $99 (US) from apple.com, in the Apple Store app, and Apple Store locations. HomePod mini is also available through Apple Authorized Resellers and select carriers (prices may vary). Pre-orders begin on November 6, and deliveries begin on November 16.