HomePod now available for purchase in Japan and Taiwan

Apple has launched the HomePod in Japan and Taiwan, giving Apple fans the chance to snag the smart speaker for themselves.

The HomePod is now available to purchase in both Japan and Taiwan, following an announcement made on August 15.

Buyers can pick up their own HomePod either in brick-and-mortar Apple Stores, or purchase them from select mobile phone retailers.

In Japan, the HomePod retails for 32,800 yen ($310), and in Taiwan for NT$9,900 ($315). Users can purchase a HomePod in ether white or Space Gray.

When announced, the Japanese press release mentioned popular artists such as Aimyon and One OK Rock, whose music would be available to stream from Apple Music. Also mentioned are regional playlists, such as Apple Music's Top 100: Japan.

The smart speaker debuted in the U.S., UK, and Australia in February 2018, a half-year after being shown at Apple's World Wide Developer Conference. Since then, Apple has expanded availability to China, Hong Kong, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, and Spain.

The HomePod is on track to receive some notable upgrades this fall with the release of iOS 13. The update list includes multi-user voice recognition, enhanced Shortcuts integration, and song Handoff with iPhone.

3 Comments

mobird 20 Years · 758 comments

About 5 years ago

AppleInsider said:

The HomePod is on track to receive some notable upgrades this fall with the release of iOS 13. The update list includes multi-user voice recognition, enhanced Shortcuts integration, and song Handoff with iPhone.

I want the Homepod to be able to be set as the default device instead of always having to go through the rigamorale that Apple makes us jump through.

Kuyangkoh 7 Years · 838 comments

mobird said:

AppleInsider said:

The HomePod is on track to receive some notable upgrades this fall with the release of iOS 13. The update list includes multi-user voice recognition, enhanced Shortcuts integration, and song Handoff with iPhone.

I want the Homepod to be able to be set as the default device instead of always having to go through the rigamorale that Apple makes us jump through.

My HomePod just kick the Bucket....i was playing on AirPlay from my Ipad Pro and then the right HomePod was having a clicking sound and very hot to touch, LED volume was gone and smells like burned electrical inside...what if im not closed to it....im sure it will caused FIRE...will be taking to genius today, hopefully it still under warranty and give me a free replacement

Kuyangkoh said:

mobird said:

AppleInsider said:

The HomePod is on track to receive some notable upgrades this fall with the release of iOS 13. The update list includes multi-user voice recognition, enhanced Shortcuts integration, and song Handoff with iPhone.

I want the Homepod to be able to be set as the default device instead of always having to go through the rigamorale that Apple makes us jump through.

My HomePod just kick the Bucket....i was playing on AirPlay from my Ipad Pro and then the right HomePod was having a clicking sound and very hot to touch, LED volume was gone and smells like burned electrical inside...what if im not closed to it....im sure it will caused FIRE...will be taking to genius today, hopefully it still under warranty and give me a free replacement
Appleinsider
in a previous article this year discussed a "clicking" issue that some Homepod owners were experiencing. Wonder if your problem with fried electronics is some how related?
Hope your Homepod is still under warranty and you have a positive outcome.