Apple Brings Back HomePod, What Happened?, HomePod Changes (Daily Update)
Hello everyone. Happy Wednesday.
We have surprising news: HomePod is back. Earlier today, Apple unveiled a HomePod 2nd generation.
As a long-time HomePod user with 10 HomePods currently in use around my home (in five pairs), the HomePod has been an intriguing product. An Above Avalon Report from 2022 (available here) was dedicated to the HomePod discontinuation. We have a lot to discuss. Let's jump right in.
Apple Brings Back HomePod
In a surprise twist, Apple unveiled a 7-inch HomePod for the second time in six years. The speaker, which Apple is referring to as HomePod (2nd gen), will sit next to the HomePod mini.
In February 2018, Apple launched a 7-inch HomePod for $349. To avoid confusion, we will refer to that model as the original HomePod. After three years of sales, the original HomePod was discontinued in March 2021. At the time, Apple said they were going to put their focus on the HomePod mini:
“HomePod mini has been a hit since its debut last fall [2020], offering customers amazing sound, an intelligent assistant, and smart home control all for just $99. We are focusing our efforts on HomePod mini.”
The sudden (and surprise) discontinuation rubbed HomePod owners the wrong way.
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