Apple gives up on its original HomePod Smart Speaker

Apple allegedly strikes its original HomePod smart speaker that the company focuses on the HomePod mini, his smaller and more affordable brother.

TechCrunch on Friday reported a confirmation from Apple that it was storing the HomePod just a few years after its initial launch. Reviews was not nice when Apple’s speech-controlled smart speaker hit the shelves for the first time in 2018. Critics have argued that the high-quality sound is not worth dealing with Apple’s walled garden and its steep price of $ 349, which is much more expensive than Amazon’s Echo or Google Nest range of smart speakers. As if that’s not enough, the HomePod also has a bizarre tendency to stain people’s furniture. Apple has reduced the price to $ 299 a year later, but it was apparently not enough to save it, as Apple is now putting the HomePod on the pasture.

The HomePod Mini, on the other hand, received a much warmer reception. This smaller version of Apple’s first generation smart speaker was launched in November at a price of $ 99 – still more expensive than its smaller competitors, the Echo Dot or Nest Mini, but just like Amazon and Google’s mid-range options. At the time, we called the HomePod Mini ‘a solid little speaker’ and ‘the perfect complementary device’ for people embracing the Apple Smart Home ecosystem.

In a statement to plural outletsApple has said that the HomePod Mini has been a “hit” since its debut, so much so that the company prefers to focus exclusively on its smallest speaker.

If you currently own an OG HomePod, do not worry: Apple confirms that software updates and technical support will continue for those already on the market. Existing units will also remain available “while stocks last”, although the Space Gray option has apparently already been sold out Apple’s website.

You can read Apple’s statement in full below:

A 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. We focus our efforts on HomePod mini. We discontinue the original HomePod, it will still be available while stocks last through the Apple Online Store, Apple Retail Stores and Apple Authorized Retailers. Apple provides HomePod software updates and service and support through Apple Care.

The original HomePod is not the only product on its way to Apple’s Cemetery this month. Last week, Apple announced that it would strike the iMac Pro, its $ 5,000 workstation, after just four years on the market.