Now that Apple has released the new HomePod 2 recently, it means it’s time for us to make a Homepod vs Homepod 2. In this article, you will learn how powerful and useful the new generation HomePod 2 will be compared to the old generation.
In 2018, Apple introduced the first HomePod at a higher cost than its rivals, retailing at $349. A little more than a year later, Apple reduced the cost to $299. After that, in the fall of 2020, the HomePod mini debuted at a more affordable $99 price point, and in March of 2021, Apple abruptly stopped selling the full-size HomePod.
Despite the fact that the HomePod mini lacks features like Dolby Atmos support, beamforming, and room sensing, the original HomePod offered capabilities that the mini doesn’t, including louder, fuller sound, strong bass, and beamforming.
The second-generation HomePod, which includes Thread/Matter compatibility, a temperature/humidity sensor, upgraded Apple Silicon chips, and a very slight design change, has now brought the full-size HomePod back to life. So without further ado here is Homepod vs Homepod 2.
Homepod vs Homepod 2
There are little differences between the HomePod 2’s primary audio features and those of the original HomePod (the majority of differences are with smart features, connectivity, and sensors).
Audio features
The original HomePod and HomePod mini have the original computational audio for real-time tuning, however the newer HomePod models have “advanced” computational audio with system sensing.
But because the mini doesn’t support it, it’s fantastic to see that Spatial Audio/Dolby Atmos is back with the HomePod 2.
Here is a table on Homepod vs Homepod 2 about audio features:
| HomePod 2 | HomePod | |
| Spatial Audio Dolby Atmos | Supported | Supported |
| Room sensing | Supported | Supported |
| Beamforming | Supported | Supported |
| Stereo pairing | Supported | Supported |
| Real-time tuning | A sophisticated audio computational system with real-time tuning | Tuning in real-time with computational audio |
| Multiroom AirPlay | Supported | Supported |
| Home theater with Apple TV 4K | Supported | Supported |
| Auto bass correction | Supported | Supported |
Sensors and connectivity
Here is where HomePod 2 begins to differ from the first model. A temperature/humidity sensor, an S7 chip with U1 for enhanced iPhone handoffs, Thread/Matter compatibility, and an S7 chip are all included in the new full-size smart speaker.
You may check the table of Homepod vs Homepod 2 on sensors and connectivity sub-category below.
| HomePod 2 | HomePod | |
| HomeKit + Siri | Supported | Supported |
| Thread/Matter | Supported | Not Supported |
| WiFi | 802.11n | 802.11ac |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| U1 chip | Included | Not included |
| Apple Silicon | S7 | A8 |
| Sound recognition | Coming soon | Not included |
| Temperature and humidity sensor | Included | Not included |
| Intercom | Supported | Supported |
Speakers and mics
The speakers and microphones have undergone some fascinating changes. The high-excursion woofer is larger, according to Apple. While Apple withheld information on the size of the original HomePod’s woofer, the latest model includes a 4-inch woofer.
The original 7-array tweeter is simplified to 5 for HomePod, and the number of far-field microphones is likewise decreased from 6 to 4.
Apple must be sure that even with fewer tweeters and microphones, the new HomePod offers the same or better sound quality, output, and input as the original. The HomePod 2 is said to provide “immersive, high-fidelity audio’’.
Here is Homepod vs Homepod 2 on speakers and mics:
| HomePod 2 | HomePod | |
| Woofer | 4-inch high-excursion woofer | High-excursion woofer |
| Speakers | 5-array horn-loaded tweeters | 7-array horn-loaded tweeters |
| Far-field microphone count | 4 | 6 |
Size and design
The size of the new HomePod is nearly identical (and its design). It weighs nearly half a pound less and is only 0.2 inches shorter.
The HomePod 2 is available in white and midnight, however, the latter appears to be very similar to the space gray of the first model.
| Homepod 2 | HomePod | |
| Height | 6.6 inches (168 mm) | 6.8 inches (172 mm) |
| Width | 5.6 inches (142 mm) | 5.6 inches (142 mm) |
| Weight | 5.16 pounds (2.3 kg) | 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) |
Final thoughts on Homepod vs Homepod 2
We think it’s fantastic to see the full-size HomePod make a comeback, even though some people may have anticipated a more significant upgrade for the second-generation HomePod at the $299 price.
Apple fans who need room-filling, powerful sound once again have a first-party choice, and the price is competitive with the other products around the market. For those who wish to use Dolby Atmos in their home theater system, the reintroduction of the full-size HomePod is also exciting. Additionally, the Thread, U1 chip, and temperature/humidity sensor have been added to the HomePod 2 to bring it up to parity with the HomePod mini.
The new HomePod is now available for purchase from Apple, with the first deliveries beginning on February 3.
