The HomePod mini launched as Apple’s smaller and more affordable smart speaker, and on paper, not much has changed since then. The design is the same, the price has stayed consistent, and in 2026, it still looks almost identical to the version Apple introduced years ago. However, expectations around smart speakers are very different now. Instead of focusing on specs alone, the bigger question is whether the HomePod mini still makes sense in everyday use, especially as competitors continue pushing smarter assistants, better flexibility, and stronger audio at similar prices The design still works remarkably well Faiz Aly The HomePod mini’s spherical design continues to hold up better than most smart speakers in its price range. The mesh fabric exterior, compact footprint, and minimal top interface still feel intentional rather than overly decorative, which makes it easier to place in different parts of a home without drawing attention to itself.…