Apple said on Friday that it is discontinuing the original HomePod smart speaker and will instead focus on the smaller, cheaper, and newer HomePod mini.
The original HomePod launched in 2018, but never hit the mass market like competing products like the Amazon Echo or Google Home smart speakers did. While the HomePod was lauded for its high-quality sound, it also launched for $ 349, which was much more expensive than the Echo or Google Home it competed with. 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 sounding speakers of its size at $ 99. That’s the model that Apple says will continue to sell.
“HomePod mini has been a hit since its debut last fall, offering customers great sound, an intelligent assistant and smart home controls for just $ 99,” an Apple spokesperson told CNBC on Friday. “We are concentrating our efforts on HomePod mini. We are discontinuing the original HomePod, which will be available through the Apple Online Store, Apple Retail Stores and Apple Authorized Resellers while supplies last. Apple will provide HomePod customers with software updates and service. and support through Apple Care. “
The news was first reported by TechCrunch.