Apple said on Friday that it is discontinuing the original HomePod smart speaker and will focus on the smaller, more affordable and newer HomePod mini.
The original HomePod was launched in 2018, but it never hit the mass market in the way that competing products like Amazon Echo or Google Home smart speakers did. Although HomePod was praised for its high-quality sound, it was also launched at $ 349, which was much more expensive than the Echo or Google Home with which it was competing. Apple lowered the price to $ 300 a year later.
Apple HomePod Mini
Todd Haselton | CNBC
The HomePod mini was launched last November and, for $ 99, is among the best-sounding speakers of its size. This is the model that Apple says it will continue to sell.
“HomePod mini has been a hit since its debut last fall, offering customers incredible sound, an intelligent assistant and smart home control, all for just $ 99,” an Apple spokesman told CNBC on Friday. . “We are focusing our efforts on the HomePod mini. We are discontinuing the original HomePod, it will remain available as long as supplies last at the Apple Online Store, Apple Retail Stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. Apple will provide HomePod customers with software updates and service and support through Apple Care. “
The news was first reported by TechCrunch.