Apple is reportedly discontinuing its original HomePod smart speaker as the company shifts its focus to the HomePod mini, his smaller and more accessible brother.
TechCrunch reported confirmation from Apple on Friday that it is filing HomePod just a few years after its initial launch. Assessments were not kind when Apple’s voice-controlled smart speaker hit stores in 2018. Critics argued that its admittedly high-quality sound was not worth the hassle of dealing with Apple’s walled garden and its high $ 349 price tag, which is much more expensive than Amazon’s Eco or Google’s Nest line of smart speakers. As if that were not enough, the HomePod also had a bizarre trend to stain people’s furniture. Apple lowered the price to $ 299 a year later, but that apparently wasn’t enough to save him, since Apple is now putting HomePod in the pasture.
The HomePod Mini, on the other hand, had a much warmer reception. This smaller version of Apple’s first-generation smart speaker was launched in November at a price of $ 99 – even more expensive than its tiny competitors, the Echo Dot or Nest Mini, but on a par with intermediate options from Amazon and Google. At the time, we called the HomePod Mini “a small solid speaker” and “the perfect companion device” for people who embrace Apple’s smart home ecosystem.
In a statement to multiple outlets, Apple said the HomePod Mini “has been a success” since its debut, so much so that the company has chosen to focus exclusively on its smallest speaker.
G / O Media can receive a commission
If you currently have a HomePod OG, don’t worry: software updates confirmed by Apple and technical support will continue for those already on the market. Existing units will also remain available “as long as stocks last,” although the Space Gray option already appears to be exhausted in Apple website.
You can read Apple’s statement in full below:
The 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. 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, services and support through Apple Care.
The original HomePod isn’t the only product on its way to Apple’s graveyard this month. Last week, Apple announced that it is discontinuing the iMac Pro, its $ 5,000 workstation, after just four years on the market.