HomePod mini works with 18W power supplies after 14.3 software update

Thanks to the HomePod version 14.3 update, Apple's new HomePod mini now supports 18W power adapters or battery packs

The HomePod mini ships with a 20W power adapter and originally required at least 20W to function. An update reduces this limit to 18W, which enables a wider range of adapters and battery packs to work.

The 8-Bit reports that Reddit users discovered the change when testing different power adapters. Apple did not disclose the change in the update notes, but if you use a certified 18W USB-C PD power supply or one offering a greater wattage, you'll be able to run your HomePod mini without issue.

As AppleInsider previously covered, you can even connect your HomePod mini to a battery pack to create a portable AirPlay 2 speaker. As long as you have a proper WiFi signal for the HomePod mini to connect through, all functions should work as normal, even under battery power.

The update doesn't affect the power of the original HomePod, as that model requires a direct connection to a power outlet via a plug, rather than a power adapter.

11 Comments

lkrupp 10521 comments · 19 Years

About 3 years ago

But the HomePod Mini (I got one for Christmas) comes with a 20W power adapter so...

crowley 10431 comments · 15 Years

That's cool that Apple was able to do this with a software update.

MplsP 4047 comments · 8 Years

crowley said:

That's cool that Apple was able to do this with a software update.

Agreed - I was reading in another (MagSafe duo?) thread about USB power profiles; the way I understand it is newer USB power supplies offer a different range of voltage and current combinations, so 18 watts with one supply is not the same as 18 watts in another. I wonder if the HomePod mini never really needed 20w, just the 20w power profile and the firmware update simply allows it to use the 18w profile.

OctoMonkey 343 comments · 4 Years

MplsP said:

crowley said:

That's cool that Apple was able to do this with a software update.

Agreed - I was reading in another (MagSafe duo?) thread about USB power profiles; the way I understand it is newer USB power supplies offer a different range of voltage and current combinations, so 18 watts with one supply is not the same as 18 watts in another. I wonder if the HomePod mini never really needed 20w, just the 20w power profile and the firmware update simply allows it to use the 18w profile.

Well... Watts (or power) is simply volts * current. 18 amps at 1 volt or 1 amp at 18 volts both equal 18 watts. My understanding of the USB spec is that +5V is available (at different current ratings depending on the USB variant). 18 Watts at 5 Volts would be 3.6 amps. Perhaps they wanted 20 watts to account for cable losses at higher currents.

As for the power requirement of the HomePod mini... somebody would need to actually measure the current draw in a worst case scenario (likely maximum volume - probably with a lot of bass). That said, what it requires is probably not 18 watts continuous. It might not sound like much, but 18 watts without good heat dissipation adds up quickly and electronics do not like heat. Those little 5 watt night light bulbs get wicked hot, and they are in a free air environment.

OctoMonkey said:

MplsP said:

crowley said:

That's cool that Apple was able to do this with a software update.

Agreed - I was reading in another (MagSafe duo?) thread about USB power profiles; the way I understand it is newer USB power supplies offer a different range of voltage and current combinations, so 18 watts with one supply is not the same as 18 watts in another. I wonder if the HomePod mini never really needed 20w, just the 20w power profile and the firmware update simply allows it to use the 18w profile.

Well... Watts (or power) is simply volts * current. 18 amps at 1 volt or 1 amp at 18 volts both equal 18 watts. My understanding of the USB spec is that +5V is available (at different current ratings depending on the USB variant). 18 Watts at 5 Volts would be 3.6 amps. Perhaps they wanted 20 watts to account for cable losses at higher currents.

As for the power requirement of the HomePod mini... somebody would need to actually measure the current draw in a worst case scenario (likely maximum volume - probably with a lot of bass). That said, what it requires is probably not 18 watts continuous. It might not sound like much, but 18 watts without good heat dissipation adds up quickly and electronics do not like heat. Those little 5 watt night light bulbs get wicked hot, and they are in a free air environment.

Well, yes, watts is simply volts * current, there are different combinations and not all power supplies are capable of all the different combinations. The original USB Spec was for 5V; you're not going to run 20 amps through a USB cable to charge your laptop at 100 watts.

USB Power delivery specifies profiles different voltages (5, 9, 15 or 20V) and different currents ranging from 0.5 - 20A. The voltage is actually negotiated between the device and the supply. If the HomePod wasn't designed to work with an older version, it may not have been able to negotiate an appropriate voltage/current combination.