You’re already feeling surprised aren’t you? I’ve known this for a long time, but do you know how ancient the Wi-Fi in HomePod and HomePod mini is?
The Year is 2024, HomePod and HomePod mini Ship with W-Fi 802.11n that Released in 2009
Before I start my journey into the world of HomePod Wi-Fi, let’s talk about when the second-generation HomePod was released as well as the HomePod mini.
The date when these HomePod models was released adds a little spice to the Wi-Fi situation in these speakers. The second-generation HomePod was released in 2023. It literally popped out of nowhere and fans were definitely pleased with the release. No one questioned it, and the only thing fans wanted to see was a new speaker. They definitely got it.
HomePod mini, on the other hand, was released in 2020. This is a speaker many were asking for since the bigger HomePod commanded a high price tag and having the smaller version was a great way to bring Siri and AirPlay to different rooms without spending too much money.
2020 and 2023 – keep those dates in mind.
In the year 2020, the two Wi-Fi standards that were widely available were 802.11ac and 802.11ax. That’s Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 to those who don’t speak geek. And, Wi-Fi 6E started getting approvals in 2020, ultimately being released in 2021. What a year for Wi-Fi, without a doubt.
2023, on the other hand, was the year of Wi-Fi 802.11ax – Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, both – and Wi-Fi 7 was slowly starting to get certifications, inching towards release.
Now explain this to me – why does the HomePod and HomePod mini not have the most commonly available Wi-Fi standard for the year they were released? I’m not even asking for the latest one. 802.11n is a standard that was released back in 2009. Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 was everywhere when these devices were released.
I can make this worse by telling everyone that the original HomePod, released back in 2018, had Wi-Fi 802.11n, too.
The HomePod and HomePod mini act as hubs for your HomeKit setup as well. Which means they’re responsible for connecting you with the stuff that is happening inside your home to you and upload security footage to iCloud at the same time.
Just imagine your entire house connected to a speaker that has Wi-Fi 802.11n.
Who knows the new HomePod will finally give us a new Wi-Fi standard. Add Wi-Fi 5 to your ‘what do we expect’ roundups.
