Apple said Friday that it would stop working on the original HomePod smart speaker and instead focus on the smaller, more affordable and newer HomePod mini.
The original HomePod was launched in 2018, but never caught the mass market in the same way as competing products like Amazon Echo or Google Home smart speakers. While the HomePod has been praised for its high-quality sound, it was also launched for $ 349, which was much more expensive than the Echo or Google Home it competed with. Apple lowered the price to $ 300 a year later.
Apple HomePod Mini
Todd Haselton | CNBC
The HomePod mini was launched last November and, at $ 99, is among the speakers with the best sound of its size. This is the model that Apple says will continue to sell.
“HomePod mini has been a hit since its debut last fall, offering customers incredible sound, a smart helper and smart home control all for just $ 99,” an Apple spokesman told Friday on CNBC. “We are focusing our efforts on HomePod mini. We are no longer making original HomePod, which will continue to be available until supplies run out at Apple’s online store, Apple’s retail stores and Apple’s authorized resellers. will provide HomePod customers with software and service updates and support through Apple Care. “
TechCrunch first reported the news.