The second-generation HomePod 2nd Generation was announced on January 18, 2023, and released on February 3.

With Sound Recognition, HomePod 2nd Generation can listen for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and send a notification directly to the user’s iPhone if a sound is identified. The new built-in temperature and humidity sensor can measure indoor environments, so users can create automations that close the blinds or turn on the fan automatically when a certain temperature is reached in a room.

HomePod delivers incredible audio quality, with rich, deep bass and stunning high frequencies. A custom-engineered high-excursion woofer, powerful motor that drives the diaphragm a remarkable 20mm, built-in bass-EQ mic, and beamforming array of five tweeters around the base all work together to achieve a powerful acoustic experience.

The S7 chip is combined with software and system-sensing technology to offer even more advanced computational audio that maximises the full potential of its acoustic system for a groundbreaking listening experience.

Protecting customer privacy is one of Apple’s core values. All smart home communications are always end-to-end encrypted so they can’t be read by Apple, including camera recordings with HomeKit Secure Video. When Siri is used, the audio of the request is not stored by default. These features give users peace of mind that their privacy is protected at home.

HomePod is designed to minimise its environmental impact, and includes 100 percent recycled gold - a first for HomePod - in the plating of multiple printed circuit boards and 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in the speaker magnet.

Two or more HomePod or HomePod mini speakers unlock a variety of powerful features. Using multiroom audio with AirPlay, users can simply say “Hey Siri,” or touch and hold the top of HomePod to play the same song on multiple HomePod speakers, play different songs on different HomePod speakers, or even use them as an intercom to broadcast messages to other rooms.

Yes. Leveraging Ultra Wideband technology, users can hand off whatever they’re playing on iPhone - like a favourite song, podcast, or even a phone call - directly to a HomePod. To easily control what’s playing or receive personalised song and podcast recommendations, anyone in the home can bring an iPhone close to HomePod and suggestions will surface automatically. HomePod can also recognise up to six voices, so each member of the home can hear their personal playlists, ask for reminders, and set calendar events.

HomePod is available in 2 colour variants: white and midnight, made with 100 percent recycled mesh fabric, with a colour-matched woven power cable.

The backlit touch display now stretches edge to edge on the top surface of the cylindrical speaker, with the rest of the visible surface area of the device wrapped in fabric mesh material - which Apple has once again made from 100 per cent recycled materials.

The power cable is now a woven fabric style. It's detachable too, which means it can be swapped out for a longer one if you want to position the HomePod 2 a long way from a power socket.

The HomePod 2 measures 6.6 inches tall, and 5.6 inches wide, and it weighs 2.3kg, making it every so slightly shorter and 200g lighter than the original.