5 Products Discontinued by Apple in 2021

[adamjackson]

Very timely article. I'm waiting for

• Space Grey Keyboard w/ TouchID
• HomePod Max

My new M1Max MBP is connected to my Space Grey accessories just fine and it looks great on the desk but I'd love to have TouchID on the keyboard

My 3 HomePod maxes in our house are doing great except for one that just had a logic board failure. Given what I'm reading in the HomePod forums this is happening en masse to a lot of people. I'm expecting the other 2 to fail within the next year. I love the big HomePod. I use it every day for playing music and I'll be very disappointed when they all die. Price for an out of warranty replacement:

$290 USD. Just about what I paid for them on their final on-sale prices.

Basically apple is making me buy refurbs for the price I paid new and I don't even get a warranty beyond 90 days on the replacements. I'm hoping Apple releases a new big homePod this year.

 

[Shirasaki]

Safari finally doesn’t suck once. Yay! (Happy-Sad face ?)

What these 5 products all have in common is that the price wasn't right. Apple was greedy and these products failed because senior management are out of touch with consumers.

Homepod was a very frustrating product. Amazing audio engineering, poor product features and awful pricing.

Like why would they create an awesome audio experience only to kill with a horrible price and limited functionality? Which idiot executive approved the product without a jack? Is Tim so out of touch with his consumers that he thinks we would pay 5 times as much to be locked into their products (actually to many of us have! Glad many people went with alternatives though).

The market spoken! These products failed because of Tim. Time to walk his butt out the door!

To be fair, Apple, even in its infancy (discounting Apple I which was created by an actual engineer and enthusiast) was there to create products that were out of touch and more often than not ignored customers demand, believing this “If you ask customer what they want, they probably just say ‘a faster horse’ or so” mindset. For large part, this mindset carries Apple into the only $3T company, and I’d argue HomePod failure doesn’t even create a dent on Apple’s portfolio.

And guess what? Apple will continue to produce products that are out of touch and they will continue to be successful because Apple is too big to fail now. While another HomePod failure might not happen, such failure doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things imo.

Where are you are correct, was that the pricing of the HomePod was on the higher end, and consumers are likely thinking to themselves, ‘Why would I want to pay this price, when there’s so many cheaper options that probably meet simple expectations with voice commands, adequate sound….’ What people didn’t understand, was the HomePod was so much more than a smart speaker, it was an actual music player first that really boasted the dynamics of sound quality, unfortunately that wasn’t really captured appropriately by consumers who just couldn’t look past the price point.

Look at other similar high end products you can see why people don’t see beyond the price point: A high end speaker that can only be connected through wireless connection with Apple device, and no real way to properly use those devices outside of AirPlay and always-on Siri. I doubt other high end speakers don’t at least let user repurpose the speaker in some other settings with some ports, extending their lifespan. No such option for HomePods.

You don’t have to speak to it. You can just use it as an Airplay speaker.

Still limited though.

 

[Websnapx2]

I never got to hear the speaker myself, so from what I gather, it seems that there was a market for that speaker for the sound quality it offered, only that Apple thought to charge astronomically for it. If it was priced right, it did not need discontinuing, that's my point.

But it wasn't an "astronomical charge" for what it was — and that's the point — for the sound it produced and the technology inside, the cost was warranted. The problem was that Apple marketed it as a smart speaker that sounded great, rather than a great speaker first — that also happened to have a smart assistant you were familiar with. In doing so it was put up against the Echos and the Google Homes rather than the Sonos it should have been up against. Paying $350 for quality audio is a reasonable value proposition — $350 for a smart speaker someone doesn't even know how (or if) they will really use is not, and since that is how it was marketed, it's how it was perceived. Your perspective is a perfect example of that, having not heard it yet assuming its quality/value proposition.

Had they simply added more i/o (open up Bluetooth or wifi, added optical or even RCA) the emphasis on the speaker value aspect would have been taken seriously, rather than thinking all the effort was just about making Siri sound better. Further to that, had they launched the Mini at the same time, they actually would have sold more full-sized HomePods as those curious would have bought the Minis, then the value proposition would have been left with the consumer to make with an option. Collecting money both from those looking to dip their toe in smart speakers, and for those looking for that functionality with higher quality output. Once the consumer has to choose, you leave money on the table — as they obviously did as demonstrated with the great sales of Minis even after the brand "HomePod" took a hit.

 

[AlexESP]

I think people are very wrong when comparing the HomePod and AirPods Max. The problem is not pricing, since Apple has always succeeded in the high-end. Instead, it was that there is no clear way to make a speaker distinctively better. Yes, it sounded very good, but there's not a lot of Apple "expertise" they can add. It's similar to Apple TV+, where they're not really adding anything new. Headphones are a totally different field, and there is not a comparable product to AirPods Max -- it does have competitors, but it's unique in its concept.

 

[citysnaps]

I'm still appalled at how quality of a speaker the HomePod was, and at just how terrible the interface to that speaker was. Even with perfect WiFi and articulate speech, you had constant problems playing what you wanted either through Siri commands or through a phone. They literally had a $500-caliber speaker, that they crippled with software and couldn't sell for $350.

That's certainly not my experience with my seven HomePods. Is Siri 100% accurate, 100% of the time? No. The only thing that is that I've encountered is gravity.

Is Siri accurate 95+% of the time? Absolutely. And that's fine for a complex consumer level voice-driven interface.

 

[AlexESP]

But it wasn't an "astronomical charge" for what it was — and that's the point — for the sound it produced and the technology inside, the cost was warranted. The problem was that Apple marketed it as a smart speaker that sounded great, rather than a great speaker first — that also happened to have a smart assistant you were familiar with. In doing so it was put up against the Echos and the Google Homes rather than the Sonos it should have been up against. Paying $350 for quality audio is a reasonable value proposition — $350 for a smart speaker someone doesn't even know how (or if) they will really use is not, and since that is how it was marketed, it's how it was perceived. Your perspective is a perfect example of that, having not heard it yet assuming its quality/value proposition.

Had they simply added more i/o (open up Bluetooth or wifi, added optical or even RCA) the emphasis on the speaker value aspect would have been taken seriously, rather than thinking all the effort was just about making Siri sound better. Further to that, had they launched the Mini at the same time, they actually would have sold more full-sized HomePods as those curious would have bought the Minis, then the value proposition would have been left with the consumer to make with an option. Collecting money both from those looking to dip their toe in smart speakers, and for those looking for that functionality with higher quality output. Once the consumer has to choose, you leave money on the table — as they obviously did as demonstrated with the great sales of Minis even after the brand "HomePod" took a hit.

It was marketed with a focus on Music, just search the HomePod page in webarchive: almost everything is about sound technology, and not "smart" abilities. It's just not a very innovative-lucrative field.

 

[Minato1990]

I just love my stereo HomePod. what a mistake they've done discontinue it.

They need to bring it back
Because if one of my homepod die I’ma be a very angry puppy!

 

[antmit]

I wish the space gray accessories were still around.

I was just coming here to say exactly that. By FAR the better looking accessories. I've got two lots of black MTs and MKs, and with the most recent ones (because I needed some based somewhere other than my home office) I'm even more paranoid about key shininess - even with a rubber keyboard cover - and keeping them pristine.

Such a shame. Even the charging cables were black. When these ones eventually go south, I reckon it'll be the MX Keys for me - especially if they eventually make them function in the same way as the Apple version.

My setup is almost entirely black or dark material - monitor desk poles, monitors, monitor lamps, my Mac, etc. Having bright, silver metal just makes things jar too much. Perhaps it's a production thing, and it's only an aesthetic thing, but they look classier in dark colours to me. Seems very short-sighted.

 

[EdT]

Discontinuing HomePod was a mistake. Pricing it the way they did was another.

They could have priced it where they did, but it should have been a Sonos Surround Sound Competitor and not a Google or Alexa one. And that means it needed Stereo, the HomePod mini’s, and 5.1 Dolby capabilities (at a minimum) from day 1. A full Sonos or Bose surround sound system with a Bass speaker box was and is $800 to $1000, so a HomePod would be in that price range with 2 large and 2 small HomePods.
But it needed to be introduced as that type of product.

 

[npmacuser5]

I'm still appalled at how quality of a speaker the HomePod was, and at just how terrible the interface to that speaker was. Even with perfect WiFi and articulate speech, you had constant problems playing what you wanted either through Siri commands or through a phone. They literally had a $500-caliber speaker, that they crippled with software and couldn't sell for $350.

Agree. Sonos using Google or Amazon voice assistance “Just Work”. Until Apple catches Siri up, no matter how great and cheap a speaker they design, a no sale. What Apple forgot with Siri, the eco system the Real driver of product success. In comparison, Siri adds essentially zero value to their eco system.

 

[EdT]

I think people are very wrong when comparing the HomePod and AirPods Max. The problem is not pricing, since Apple has always succeeded in the high-end. Instead, it was that there is no clear way to make a speaker distinctively better. Yes, it sounded very good, but there's not a lot of Apple "expertise" they can add. It's similar to Apple TV+, where they're not really adding anything new. Headphones are a totally different field, and there is not a comparable product to AirPods Max -- it does have competitors, but it's unique in its concept.

I have owned an ATV since the model 3. There have been and are things that drive me crazy about it’s features, but I don’t think that it is reporting every show and network I watch to anyone that sends a little money Apple’s way. Now, I don’t know that for certain-Apple says it doesn’t gather and sell specific viewing and surfing habits of subscribers but do I know exactly what information they do and don’t gather and who they share that with and why? No, I don’t. And Apple’s Defender of Privacy purity has been shown to not be as pure as people thought it was. But in an era of smart TV’s gathering data because people are willing to exchange their privacy for ease of use it is where I’m at currently.

 

[macintoshmac]

But it wasn't an "astronomical charge" for what it was — and that's the point — for the sound it produced and the technology inside, the cost was warranted.

I agree. I was referring to it that way because it did not sell well and people did complain about price on the internet.

 

[Panicing]

I've had Sonos and a traditional analog stereo. I listen to more music on my HomePod than anything. Sure, Siri is frustrating, but I I move and set that speaker up, and I have great music in my kitchen. Two together are great. $350 for a great speaker seems like a great deal. I just hate it didn't get a chance to iterate, so more people could try it.

 

[macintoshmac]

The real point is if Apple can't achieve at least a reasonable 38% gross profit margin on any product it sells, it will eventually be discontinued. That's just the way business works.

That is true. Hoping they increase that to a reasonable (for them, at least that's what matters) to 76% soon.

 

[usagora]

I just love my stereo HomePod. what a mistake they've done discontinue it.

While it sucks if a product you personally like is discontinued, you have to remember you're just one of millions of customers. Obviously if they were selling well, Apple woudln't discontinue it. So they haven't made a mistake; you're just disappointed is all.

 

[usagora]

Same, I can’t believe they forgot to mention them.

Probably didn't mention them because Beats Electronics is a subsidiary of Apple and has different branding.

 

[rs-mac]

Apple seriously dropped the ball by dropping the Space Gray Magic Accessories. Who's idea was that at Apple? What were they were thinking?

I purchased a new iMac Pro in Dec 2020 so it's still under AppleCare. I wonder what Apple will do if say the keyboard or mouse needs to be replaced? Perhaps they have some still in stock for such replacement scenarios?

I agree though; I wish they were still in stock. My original iMac Pro (2017) some keyboard symbols got very worn and rubbed off. So far, I'm not seeing the same wear issues with the current one, so perhaps they improved it. But if it happens again, I'd be tempted to replace it, but now I could not. I don't think AppleCare covers cosmetic issues. Though one could argue it's functional if they have to look at their keyboard to find the keys to press

 

[rs-mac]

I'm glad they came out with the HomePod mini. When the HomePod first came out, I had no desire to get one. We already had a surround setup, so definitey didn't need speakers for that. And the price was too high for simply being an extra appliance; especially if you'd want one in a few rooms. We now have three minis (separate rooms) and I'm tempted to get another one for the home gym.

 

[kyleh22]

I'm really sad to see the homepod was discontinued. If apple released it at a lower price point it could have been a huge hit. Siris limitations and lack of homekit products also held it back.

 

[827538]

They should've updated the HomePod and knocked the price down, it's a great device. It's voice recognition accuracy for me is great, sound quality is incredible, never have an issue using it.

WiFi 6 + Thread + on device Siri processing + price cut should've been the way to go. I picked mine up for $200.

 

[Jazmodo]

While it sucks if a product you personally like is discontinued, you have to remember you're just one of millions of customers. Obviously if they were selling well, Apple wouldn't discontinue it. So they haven't made a mistake; you're just disappointed is all.

Whilst that may wash with a smaller manufacturer, I seriously doubt any product Apple has sold in the last 3 years wasn't selling enough.

Take a look at the Afterburner card: https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MW682ZM/A/apple-afterburner-card
The most niche of products, with a tiny market - still for sale.

Apple could definitely still sell the HomePod for a profit, if they wanted to. Why they don't is anyone's guess.

I wonder what Apple will do if say the keyboard or mouse needs to be replaced?

RS-Mac makes a great point. What's the plan for replacements/servicing?
You still can't purchase coloured keyboards/mice/trackpads to match the coloured 24" iMac either.

Apple is too big to fail now.

Bold statement. 90%+ of their revenue is tied to a single product line, and Apple pre-iOS was nothing at all special. If you told someone in 1999 that Nokia wouldn't make phones in 20 years, you'd have been laughed at all the way to an asylum, so stranger things have happened.

 

[usagora]

Whilst that may wash with a smaller manufacturer, I seriously doubt any product Apple has sold in the last 3 years wasn't selling enough.

Take a look at the Afterburner card: https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/MW682ZM/A/apple-afterburner-card
The most niche of products, with a tiny market - still for sale.

Apple could definitely still sell the HomePod for a profit, if they wanted to. Why they don't is anyone's guess.

Yes, but it is satisfactory profit is the question. In any case, I highly doubt their decision is a "mistake". They have lots of knowledgeable people looking at these things for a living.

 

[Deliro]

Yet HomePods are selling for over 500 new on eBay.

 

[scotty321]

If Apple really wanted to sell more HomePods, they would include Alexa on it instead of Siri. ???

 

[Websnapx2]

It was marketed with a focus on Music, just search the HomePod page in webarchive: almost everything is about sound technology, and not "smart" abilities. It's just not a very innovative-lucrative field.

No, it was marketed with a focus on the Music App, but the method of control was specifically done through Siri, the assistant. Its marketing was focused on its ability to handle Apple's services (primarily Siri) with a "killer feature" focusing on sound quality.