The HomePod, Apple’s smart speaker, was first released in 2018 amidst much fanfare. With its sleek design and impressive audio quality, it seemed poised to take the smart speaker market by storm. However, over the years, the HomePod’s sales have been lukewarm, leading many to wonder: is HomePod still sold?
The Rise and Fall of the HomePod
When the HomePod was first released, it was marketed as a premium smart speaker that would revolutionize the way people listened to music and controlled their smart homes. And indeed, it did impress with its impressive audio quality, thanks to its seven tweeters and six microphones. The HomePod also came with Apple’s virtual assistant, Siri, built-in, allowing users to control their music, lights, and thermostats with just their voice.
However, despite its impressive specs, the HomePod struggled to gain traction in the market. One of the main reasons was its high price point – at $349, it was significantly more expensive than its competitors, such as Amazon Echo and Google Home. Additionally, the HomePod’s limited compatibility with non-Apple devices and its lack of support for multi-room audio also made it less appealing to many consumers.
As a result, the HomePod’s sales were lackluster, and Apple was forced to slash its production orders. In 2020, the company even discontinued the original HomePod, leaving many to wonder if the product was dead in the water.
The HomePod Mini: A New Hope?
However, Apple did not give up on its smart speaker dreams. In 2020, the company released the HomePod Mini, a smaller, more affordable version of the original HomePod. Priced at just $99, the HomePod Mini was designed to be a more accessible entry point for those looking to dip their toes into the world of smart speakers.
The HomePod Mini was a significant improvement over its predecessor in many ways. Not only was it cheaper, but it also offered improved performance, thanks to its S5 chip and U1 Ultra Wideband chip. The HomePod Mini also supported multi-room audio, allowing users to control multiple speakers throughout their homes.
So, is the HomePod Mini still sold? The answer is a resounding yes. In fact, the HomePod Mini has been a huge success for Apple, with many praising its compact design, impressive audio quality, and seamless integration with Apple devices.
Why You Should Still Consider Buying a HomePod
So, why should you still consider buying a HomePod, either the original or the Mini? Here are a few reasons:
Seamless Integration with Apple Devices
If you’re already invested in the Apple ecosystem, the HomePod is a no-brainer. With its seamless integration with Apple devices, you can easily control your music, lights, and thermostats with just your voice. Plus, with features like Handoff, you can start listening to music on your iPhone and pick it up where you left off on your HomePod.
Impressive Audio Quality
Both the original HomePod and the HomePod Mini offer impressive audio quality, thanks to their advanced speaker systems. Whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, you’ll be impressed by the clarity and depth of the sound.
Smart Home Capabilities
The HomePod is more than just a smart speaker – it’s a smart home hub. With its built-in Siri assistant, you can control your lights, thermostats, and security cameras with just your voice. Plus, with the Home app, you can control all your smart devices in one place.
The Competition: How Does the HomePod Stack Up?
So, how does the HomePod stack up against its competitors? Here’s a brief comparison:
| Smart Speaker | Price | Audio Quality | Smart Home Capabilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| HomePod Mini | $99 | Excellent | Seamless integration with Apple devices, control over lights, thermostats, and security cameras |
| Amazon Echo | $49.99 – $149.99 | Good | Control over lights, thermostats, and security cameras, plus compatibility with thousands of skills |
| Google Home | $29.99 – $99.99 | Good | Control over lights, thermostats, and security cameras, plus compatibility with Google Assistant |
As you can see, the HomePod Mini offers excellent audio quality and seamless integration with Apple devices, making it a great choice for those already invested in the Apple ecosystem. However, the Amazon Echo and Google Home offer more affordable options with similar smart home capabilities.
The Verdict: Is HomePod Still Sold?
So, is HomePod still sold? The answer is yes – but with some caveats. While the original HomePod is no longer available for purchase, the HomePod Mini is still widely available and a great option for those looking for a premium smart speaker with seamless integration with Apple devices.
If you’re an Apple fan looking for a high-quality smart speaker with impressive audio quality and smart home capabilities, the HomePod Mini is definitely worth considering. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with similar features, you may want to explore other options like the Amazon Echo or Google Home.
In the end, the HomePod may not have been the game-changer that Apple had hoped for, but it’s still a solid product with a lot to offer. And with the HomePod Mini, Apple has shown that it’s still committed to the smart speaker market. So, is HomePod still sold? Yes – and it’s still worth considering.
Is the HomePod still sold by Apple?
The HomePod has been discontinued by Apple, and it is no longer available for purchase from Apple’s official website or retail stores. Apple made this announcement in March 2021, stating that they would be focusing on the HomePod mini instead.
However, you may still be able to find new or refurbished HomePods from third-party sellers, such as Amazon or Best Buy. Additionally, you can also try checking with local retailers or second-hand stores in your area. Keep in mind that purchasing from third-party sellers may not come with the same warranty or support as buying from Apple directly.
What happened to the HomePod mini?
The HomePod mini is still widely available for purchase from Apple’s official website and retail stores. It’s a more compact and affordable version of the original HomePod, and it has been well-received by critics and customers alike. The HomePod mini offers many of the same features as the original HomePod, including Siri integration and multi-room audio capabilities.
In fact, the HomePod mini has been a key player in Apple’s smart speaker strategy, and it continues to be a popular choice for those looking for a compact and affordable smart speaker. With its lower price point and smaller footprint, the HomePod mini has opened up the smart speaker market to a wider range of customers.
Can I still use my HomePod with Apple Music?
Yes, you can still use your HomePod with Apple Music. The HomePod is compatible with Apple Music, and you can use it to stream your favorite songs, playlists, and radio stations. Even though the HomePod is no longer being sold, Apple has not discontinued support for the device.
You can still use your HomePod to control your Apple Music experience with Siri, and you can also use the Home app on your iPhone or iPad to manage your HomePod and access your Apple Music library. As long as you have an active Apple Music subscription, you can continue to enjoy your music on your HomePod.
Will Apple release a new HomePod in the future?
While Apple has not made any official announcements about a new HomePod, there have been rumors and speculation about a potential next-generation HomePod. Some reports suggest that Apple may be working on a new HomePod with improved sound quality and new features, such as a built-in screen or improved smart home integration.
However, at this point, these are just rumors, and there is no concrete evidence to support the idea of a new HomePod. Apple often keeps its product development plans under wraps until just before launch, so we may not know anything about a new HomePod until it’s officially announced.
Can I still get support for my HomePod?
Yes, Apple still provides support for the HomePod, including online resources, phone support, and in-person support at Apple Stores. If you’re experiencing issues with your HomePod, you can contact Apple support for assistance, and they will do their best to help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem.
However, it’s worth noting that since the HomePod is no longer being sold, Apple may eventually discontinue support for the device. This is a common practice for Apple, as they tend to focus their support efforts on currently available products. But for now, you can still get help with any issues you’re experiencing with your HomePod.
Can I trade in my HomePod for a HomePod mini?
Apple does not offer a trade-in program for the HomePod, so you cannot trade in your HomePod for a HomePod mini or any other Apple device. However, you may be able to sell your HomePod to a third-party buyer or trade it in with a retailer that offers trade-in programs.
If you’re looking to upgrade to a HomePod mini, you may be able to get a good price for your used HomePod, depending on its condition and the demand in your area. You can then use the money you get from selling your HomePod to purchase a new HomePod mini or other Apple device.
Is the HomePod mini a worthy successor to the original HomePod?
The HomePod mini is a more compact and affordable version of the original HomePod, and it offers many of the same features and capabilities. While it may not have the exact same sound quality as the original HomePod, the HomePod mini is still a high-quality smart speaker that is well-suited for its price point.
In many ways, the HomePod mini is a worthy successor to the original HomePod, as it offers a more accessible and affordable entry point into the world of smart speakers. The HomePod mini has also received positive reviews from critics and customers alike, who praise its compact design, ease of use, and seamless integration with other Apple devices.