According to Ming-Chi Kuo, reliable supply chain analyst, Apple is preparing to launch the new HomePod smart speaker. Apple currently sells the $99 HomePod mini as the only model. The original HomePod with much more impressive sound was discontinued last year after a price cut from $349 to $299.
New homePod rumors
According to Kuo, Apple is targeting Q4 of this year or Q1 of next year for launching the next HomePod model. Presumably, this will be a larger model than the HomePod mini, but one with features that help bring the cost down from $300 like its predecessor.
Another alternative is the HomePod mini, though it’s less likely. Apple has released new colors of the HomePod mini, but a second generation doesn’t seem necessary yet.
Same HomePod design
This is speculation. Kuo described the HomePod’s new hardware design by saying that “there may not have been much innovation in the hardware design,” but it’s still a minor complaint unless you need Bluetooth or line out functionality.
Kuo went on to state that, while smart speakers are “undoubtedly an essential element of the home ecosystem,” but he does not believe Apple has mastered the art of smart speaker success.
Smart speaker marketplace
That’s largely because Apple insists on premium audio performance, which comes with higher price tags, and that’s before you consider Apple’s margins to make a product worth its time. Amazon Echo and Google Nest products rival even the HomePod mini in price (if not features), but we don’t expect Apple to release a HomePod version below the HomePod mini threshold.
Since its original HomePod launch, Sonos has increased the number of connected speakers it offers with voice-controlled features. Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Google Assistant were the first to bring voice control of music and other smart features to Sonos. Now Sonos has its own smart assistant that can be used for controlling music.
Kuo has also recently predicted that Apple is developing a new version of the Apple TV set-top box with the goal of lowering the cost structure.
9to5Mac’s take
Kuo has just made a prediction that is musical to our ears. Even though the HomePod original was more expensive than Amazon or Google’s offerings, we loved it. HomePod mini was sorely needed as an option, but it shouldn’t be the only smart speaker from Apple. Mini is not the same as what?
Q4 2022 and Q1 2023 aren’t that far away, and we’re eager to learn more about this new HomePod model in development. Smaller HomePods work well in the living area, while larger versions can be used throughout the home. Hopefully, Apple has found a way to get closer to the original HomePod in terms of quality, but without the hefty price tag that limited its appeal to the masses.
Or, you know, maybe Apple could just make fewer of the premium HomePods. AirPods Max headphones are a wonderful addition to the AirPods earbud market, and the adoption of the latter is light-years ahead of the former. It’s also worth noting that Apple introduced its $550 headphones just before discontinuing its $300 speaker. By our measure, HomePod was a vastly better value than AirPods Max (even if they’re also great).