Apple has finally updated its HomePod mini smart speaker with ultra-wideband (UWB) handoff, allowing iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 owners to get more out of their HomePod mini than ever before.

UWB handoff, which allows recent iPhones to transfer content and calls between the device and the speaker, was originally promised when the HomePod mini first launched in 2019. After missing the then-promised 2020 release date, Apple added the feature with the latest iOS 14.4 update.

Both the HomePod mini and the original HomePod previously supported basic handoff features, such as transferring the song playing from the iPhone to the speaker, but only the HomePod mini is equipped with Apple's U1 ultra-wideband chip. Therefore, only the HomePod mini can receive the enhanced features.

These features range from new tactile effects when playing music transferred by the speaker to having the iPhone create a personalized list of song recommendations when approached by the HomePod mini. In addition, media controls now appear on the iPhone screen when the iPhone is placed close to the HomePod mini, without having to unlock it.

Again, the new UWB trick specifically requires an iPhone 11 or iPhone 12 device (including variations like the iPhone 12 Pro) running iOS 14.4 in order to work.

However, despite these limitations and the fact that the update has been delayed significantly, it is good to see that Apple has given one of its least expensive products a major new feature. Making it easier for users to access the HomePod mini's playback controls is a smart move, especially considering how difficult onboard tap-based controls can be.

The long-rumored Apple AirTags are also expected to include UWB technology, probably using the same U1 chip as the HomePod mini. According to a demonstration at Apple's WWDC 2020, UWB can locate other UWB items with much greater accuracy than Bluetooth, the technology used in existing key finders such as Tile.