HomePod now available for purchase in Japan and Taiwan

By Amber Neely

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.