Proof is mounting that Apple is planning a brand new model of the unique, full-size HomePod that was launched in 2018 and discontinued in 2021. Studies now point out that Apple is planning to launch a brand new model of the HomePod subsequent 12 months to fill the void left by Apple’s first sensible speaker.
With the unique HomePod nonetheless promoting for a premium by way of aftermarket sellers, how a lot would you pay for a brand new model?
New HomePod on the way in which?
One of many largest complaints concerning the full-size HomePod was its worth, which began at $349 earlier than being lowered to $299 one 12 months after launch. Apple very hardly ever cuts the costs of a product whereas it’s nonetheless being offered, which maybe goes to indicate simply how low gross sales had been in comparison with Apple’s preliminary expectation.
However as I wrote only a few months in the past, hindsight is 20/20, and it’s beginning to seem that we (and Apple?) may need taken the unique HomePod with no consideration. Now that the HomePod mini is offered for $99, the shortage of a full-size HomePod with spectacular sound high quality is a obvious gap in Apple’s lineup.
In reality, the HomePod has been promoting for its $299 retail worth, and even increased in some cases, on eBay. As a few of the first HomePod items begin to undergo {hardware} failures, it’s clear that some followers are prepared to shell out for a brand new one even when the {hardware} is over three years previous.
When Apple launched the primary iOS 16 beta earlier this month, 9to5Mac was first to find references to an unreleased HomePod inside the software program’s code. Ming-Chi Kuo has reported that Apple is prone to launch a brand new model of the HomePod in late 2022 or early 2023.
Then, over the weekend, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman dropped extra particulars on what to anticipate from a brand new model of the HomePod:
The HomePod, code-named B620, will run the identical S8 chip coming to the watches and can be nearer to the unique HomePod when it comes to measurement and audio efficiency relatively than a brand new HomePod mini. The brand new HomePod could have an up to date show on prime and there’s even been some speak of multi-touch performance.
Gurman says the brand new model of the HomePod is unlikely to be able to ship by the top of this 12 months. This traces up with Kuo’s prediction that it could possibly be coming in early 2023.
9to5Mac’s Take: New HomePod pricing
Whereas we all know that the brand new HomePod can be “nearer to the unique HomePod when it comes to measurement and audio efficiency relatively than a brand new HomePod mini,” what we don’t know is how a lot it should price.
The unique HomePod’s $349 worth level was clearly past what most patrons had been prepared to pay. Gurman says that the brand new HomePod “could have an up to date show on prime” that might doubtlessly function multi-touch performance on prime.
A brand new show on prime with multi-touch options feels like one thing that can drive the HomePod’s worth even increased, however I actually hope that’s not the case. The very last thing I need from a brand new model of the unique HomePod is for Apple to over-engineer it.
In reality, I’d be extremely joyful if Apple principally re-released the unique HomePod, simply with an upgraded S8 chip inside for improved Siri, AirPlay, and HomeKit efficiency. The thought of a multi-touch show on prime doesn’t enchantment to me within the slightest. I very hardly ever work together with the show on prime of my HomePod or HomePod mini. Once I do, it’s only a easy faucet to play or pause.
The unique HomePod didn’t promote like Apple had hoped. 4 years later, I’m hoping the corporate realized its classes and realizes what folks need out of a high-end HomePod: wonderful sound high quality with dependable software program and sensible dwelling integration.
There may be room within the HomePod lineup for a extra bold product, such because the previously-reported linked TV field with an built-in HomePod speaker and a FaceTime digicam. The brand new “HomePod” doesn’t must be this product.
In a super world, the brand new HomePod coming in 2023 would pack an S8 chip inside and a price ticket of $249 or $299. Whether or not or not that is the technique Apple plans to undertake stays to be seen.
How a lot would you be prepared to pay for a brand new model of the full-size HomePod? Tell us down within the feedback.
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