As a long-time HomePod user, here's what I want to see from a HomePod mini 2 at the Apple Event – and here's what we actually expect

(Image credit: TechRadar) Apple's next big iPhone event is coming up on September 9th, and we're expecting a wave of new products the iPhone 17 in multiple flavors, Apple Watch Series 11, AirPods Pro 3 but there have also been rumors of a new HomePod mini 2, and perhaps a new larger HomePod model.I've been a fan of Apple's HomePod line-up since the start, thanks to their surprisingly broad soundstage, impressive level of detail, and relatively compact size. The HomePod mini in particular was my desktop speaker setup for a long time, in a stereo pair I think a pair of these is the best small setup you can get for the price.But despite how much I like the current HomePod mini, there's definitely room for improvement for both it and the larger HomePod 2. Of course, there's no guarantee that what I want to see and we'll actually get will have any crossover, and so I'm splitting this article down the middle.First is what I'm hoping Apple will change, mixing in thoughts about both the HomePod mini and larger HomePod 2; and the second is what it looks more likely that Apple will change, based on rumors and the general direction of the wind.I should mention here that I'm personally really not sure that new HomePods will appear at this event to me, it would make sense to wait until the new AI-powered Siri is ready, and release them with that as their big update. That could be at this event, but I think it's more likely to be closer to Christmas.What I want to see1. Rock-solid reliability in music playbackI mentioned above that the HomePod mini was my desktop speaker setup for a long time. It's not any more, and that's because over time, they got glitchier and glitchier when playing music.Streaming over AirPlay from my phone would stutter and delay, and when streaming directly on the speakers, they'd just drop out for a while, and might get stuck with songs on a loop when they came back, when they're supposed to be playing an on-going mix from an Apple Music station.Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inboxSign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsI switched to a Sonos Era 100, still mostly used over AirPlay, and that never has any issue in the same room, on the same wireless network. I found the same happened with HomePod 2 and neither product started out wobbly. They got worse over time with updates, and would sometimes be better for a while, then slip.One of the reasons for AirPods' huge success is that their connectivity is as solid as it gets from the best wireless earbuds, and has been since the start. *Reporting by Techradar.*