Apple’s HomePod was an incredible device in every way when it came to acoustic performance, but its $ 349 price tag, not to mention a debut delayed to early 2018, prevented it from really having an impact on the smart market. speakers. So while the HomePod sounded great because of some of Apple’s audio engineering magic, it ultimately failed to garner a significant share of the market share from rivals like Amazon and Google.
And so, about three years after its launch, Apple discontinued the HomePod over the weekend. TechCrunch broke the news Friday, passing on that Apple will still be producing the HomePod mini and repeating the device in the future.
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While Apple’s decision here could be a blow to audiophiles looking for a capable device that won’t break the bank, the simple reality is that most consumers aren’t willing to pay a premium for a superior-sounding smart speaker if you want a perfectly maintained Amazon Echo for $ 99. Historically, Apple has been able to command a premium for late-market devices by focusing on a premium user experience. However, the HomePod failed to resonate with consumers in any meaningful way.
Incidentally, Apple would eventually lower the price of the HomePod to $ 299 in April 2019, but the move was seen by many as too little too late
Another factor that contributed to the HomePod’s demise is that Siri simply couldn’t compete with the range of functionality one could find with similar smart speakers from Google and Amazon. Another torment potential buyers had is that the HomePod didn’t support Spotify, the world’s most popular music streaming service. Apple obviously wanted a tight integration with Apple Music, but the attempt to keep Spotify out of the playing field has undoubtedly cost it some sales.
Apple will continue to sell existing HomePods it already has in stock, but no new devices will be produced in the future.
In response to the matter, Apple provided the following statement TechCrunch
HomePod mini has been a hit since its debut last fall, offering customers great sound, an intelligent assistant and smart home control for just $ 99. We’re focusing our efforts on HomePod mini. We are discontinuing the original HomePod, which will remain available while supplies last through the Apple Online Store, Apple Retail Stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. Apple provides HomePod customers with software updates and service and support through Apple Care.
Apple’s HomePod mini has many of the same shortcomings as its larger predecessor, but its $ 99 price point makes it a lot easier to overlook said shortcomings. And while the HomePod mini’s sound quality isn’t quite as good as the original HomePod’s, the fact is that most consumers aren’t audiophiles and probably won’t be able to tell much of a difference.
Apple never released specific sales figures for the HomePod, but we have to imagine that sales were incredibly low to beat a product that reportedly took more than five years to develop.
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A lifelong Mac user and enthusiast, Yoni Heisler has been writing about Apple and the tech industry in general for over six years. His writing has appeared in Edible Apple, Network World, MacLife, Macworld UK and most recently in TUAW. When Yoni isn’t writing about and analyzing the latest happenings with Apple, Yoni enjoys watching Improv shows in Chicago, playing soccer, and cultivating new addiction to TV shows, the most recent examples being The Walking Dead and Broad City.