Apple said on Friday that it would discontinue the original HomePod smart speaker and focus instead on the smaller, more affordable and newer HomePod mini.
The original HomePod was launched in 2018, but never grabbed the mass market like competing products like the Amazon Echo or Google Home smart speakers. Although the HomePod is priced for the high quality sound, it was also introduced at $ 349, which was much more expensive than the Echo or Google Home with which it competes. Apple lowered the price to $ 300 a year later.
Apple HomePod Mini
Todd Haselton | CNBC
Launched last November, the HomePod mini is one of the best audio speakers of its size at $ 99. 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 management for just $ 99,” an Apple spokesman told CNBC on Friday. “We are focusing on HomePod mini. We are discontinuing the original HomePod, it will still be available while stocks last through the Apple Online Store, Apple Retail Stores and authorized Apple resellers. support by Apple Care. ‘
The news was first reported by TechCrunch.