William Gallagher
According to an often reliable leaker, there will be no updated HomePod from Apple this year, but a smaller version is close to shipping.
Ahead of Apple's "iPhone 12" event, a leaker has quashed hopes that Apple would reveal the next generation of its HomePod smart speaker this month — or this year. Reportedly, there is a "HomePod mini" on its way sooner, though the leaker does not specify whether that is expected to be included at the "Hi, Speed," launch.
there is no HomePod2 this year
— (@L0vetodream) October 7, 2020
only have mini one
Leaker l0vetodream has a generally good track record for reports on forthcoming Apple products. Most recently, that has included the seemingly later confirmed claim that Apple will use the name "iPhone 12 mini" for its smallest new model.
Backing up the expectation that at least some form of HomePod will be included in the "iPhone 12" event, Apple has dropped all third-party speakers, and headphones, from its stores.
The AppleInsider guide on what to expect — and not expect — at the event lists HomePods as only a possibility. However, persistent rumors do point to a smaller version being prepared by Apple.
Stay on top of all Apple news right from your HomePod or HomePod mini. Say, "Hey, Siri, play AppleInsider Daily," and you'll get a fast update direct from the AppleInsider team.
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32 Comments
I used to love my HP, but I have gradually fallen out of love with it over Siri. The sound quality is great, but thats about it. Siri is plain terrible, and seems to be getting worse, at least versus Alexa/Google Home. I thought when Apple introduced a new speaker with its main UI being Siri, they'd prioritise making Siri less crap. But apparently not. For anything other than the most basic of music playing commands, it either:
Which adds up to mean it doesn't work often enough that if my phone is in the same or next room, it takes less time to go and get it and use Siri on my phone directly, or just use the UI. There are non-Siri related issues too, both of mine seem to have lost their auto gain settings, because when using Facetime Audio people complain they can't hear me. Also the audio stream regularly stops for a bit and we lose each other for 5-10 seconds. No such issue with my phone on the same network. Oh and the activation light being on the top is dumb, because you don't know if Siri has activated unless the HP is lower than you are. This is all really unfortunate, because it has really soured my view of the HP which is potentially a great device.
Cool. Looking forward to adding a couple of smaller HomePods around the house.
I wonder what the future holds for the original HomePod? I have seen them on offer for £199 a few times and been tempted but knowing a newer version was likely on its way this year I’ve held off. I am interested to see what is announced next week. I’m also interested in tv but I don’t want to buy and then see an updated model released soon after.
They’re not leakers!
I know it’s obvious to say, but the make or break factor for a HomePod mini will be the price. I don’t see Apple dropping the price low enough to displace Echo Dot so it will have to go after the Echo Plus/4th Gen Echo which is around $100 USD. If I had to guess I’d bet a HomePod mini would probably be in the $179-$199 price range which will solidify its place as a sub niche in the niche HomePod product line.
I love the HomePod for what it is, a great sounding way to consume Apple Music in a large space, and even more so when used in conjunction with an Apple TV. The problem that I have with HomePod is that it isn’t inexpensive enough to use as a primary HomeKit peripheral, i.e., a secondary role played by Echo Dots in an Amazon/Ring home automation and security installation. Price is also key. I have no problem putting a $30 Echo Dot in my garage or shed for background listening and Alexa Guard functionality. Hate to admit, but once Echo devices became Apple Music compatible any residual desire I had to purchase a second HomePod vanished. Poof! If I had a TV and Apple TV in a bedroom perhaps I’d seriously consider getting another HomePod and a mini would be a good option.
I have no problems with Siri on HomePod. I’m just not sold on HomeKit. Apple needs to flesh out the device options and needs to develop or partner with others on the services side, like professional safety and security monitoring. The Amazon-Ring mashup was a little shaky at the start, but it’s hitting its stride and pushing out compelling second generation (and beyond) products and services while Apple (HomeKit) is still watching from the sidelines.