Apple Discontinues Full-Sized HomePod to Focus on HomePod Mini

[Rob_2811]

The point is not supporting, the point is deprecating. As long as Apple doesn't deprecate Airplay 2, the homepod will work. Did Apple deprecate the OG Airplay protocol?

You are comparing the Homepod to items that have analogue inputs, the Homepod has none and is entirely reliant on closed source software to function.

In 20 years it would probably get killed by advancement in networking standards if Apple actually did support it in software (which they won't)

 

[AppleInLVX]

So, the big question for me is whether Apple is abandoning the higher end audio area altogether (headphones excepted) and just keeping the rinky dink minis as a stopgap, or if they're going to release something else to replace? I mean, there's little point in buying another HomePod now, either way. I just was hoping to pick up another for a stereo pair, and now I'm like, there's no point. Blah.

 

[mi7chy]

An outdated TV... Huh.

Apple TV 4K (1st generation) - Technical Specifications - Apple Support

support.apple.com

Back to the HomePod... Indeed, who knows how long the HomePod mini will stick around -- or any product for that matter? As long as it sells well (enough) is the vague answer. Also, it's not impossible for Apple to try again in the future. As some have already mentioned, despite the iPod Hi-Fi having a similar life, Apple came up with the HomePod.

Meh. Still not as comprehensive nor as versatile as Fire TV Stick 4K that goes on sale for ~$30 that additionally supports YouTube 4K60 HDR, browser, external storage support, freedom to install open source apps like Retroarch, ad-less Smart YouTube TV app, etc. Wouldn't be surprised if Apple TV goes the way of HomePod.

https://developer.amazon.com/docs/fire-tv/device-specifications-fire-tv-stick.html?v=ftvstick4k

 

[anthony13]

Now I'm conflicted with waiting for an updated product or going all in on a second one for 'stereo' Dolby Atmos.

 

[pete480]

They're probably getting ready for the Hompod Pro.

 

[I7guy]

You are comparing the Homepod to items that have analogue inputs, the Homepod has none and is entirely reliant on closed source software to function.

In 20 years it would probably get killed by advancement in networking standards if Apple actually did support it in software (which they won't)

Exactly. The HomePod will stop working because, as with all consumer appliances , tech advances. But apple is not going to kill the protocols rendering it a paperweight.

 

[Suckfest 9001]

Meh. Still not as comprehensive nor as versatile as Fire TV Stick 4K that goes on sale for ~$30 that additionally supports YouTube 4K60 HDR, browser, external storage support, freedom to install open source apps like Retroarch, ad-less Smart YouTube TV app, etc. Wouldn't be surprised if Apple TV goes the way of HomePod.

https://developer.amazon.com/docs/fire-tv/device-specifications-fire-tv-stick.html?v=ftvstick4k

Lmao look I get it you’re celebrating because apple lost on something but the Fire stick is a massive piece of crap just like basically any other piece of Amazon hardware/software. The experience offered on the Apple TV software is many leaps over the glorified linux distro experience of the fire stick. It just isn’t the same and having uhh *reads paper* YouTube 4k60 HDR support is something I’m totally fine living without as long as I don’t have to have one of these crap paperweights in my house

 

[unsui_grep]

I think we could potentially see a max or pro HomePod...

It does make sense for a couple of reasons:

1. firstly, why didn’t apple just replace the HomePod with the HomePod mini and be done with the HomePod at that point?

2. why add support for Dolby atmos, stereo pairing and home theatre then suddenly throw the towel in.

Now the question is why discontinue the product before releasing a refresh, I suspect it’s purely logistical, I can imagine there being quite a bit of excess stock which would just end up on landfill upon release of a 2nd Gen, so it’s likely better for Apple to sell what stock they got before planning to release a new version.

Now we have a few ways apple could potentially go with this...

1. They rename HomePod mini to just HomePod 2 upon release of the second gen of the mini (which could potentially be larger and louder with a bit of a price bump to $150), this will be the nail in the OG HomePods coffin unfortunately.

This will be the safest option for apple.

2. They continue with the HomePod mini eventually releasing a HomePod max or pro, similar to how we have MacBook Air, MacBook Pro but no MacBook at this point, only problem with this is that unless the Max or Pro model of the HomePod has some ground breaking features it will likely flop yet again.

This is probably a very risky option for apple.

3. Another possibility which has sprung to mind is possibly a merger of Apple TV and the HomePod at some point... where Apple TV is actually built into the speaker itself... becoming a brand new product line...

I think you're headed in the right direction but I'd go further. I think this has a lot to do with Apple's move to Thread mesh networking standards and move to a more aggressive strategy to shore up the home market with HomeKit. We'll see something like a HomePod Max that supports Thread just like the HomePod mini. Furthermore, I think this is directly related to an upcoming AppleTV revamp, and tvOS morphing into homeOS. I'd guess this starts at WWDC with new APIs and possibly a new UI for AppleTV.

 

[Rob_2811]

Exactly. The HomePod will stop working because, as with all consumer appliances , tech advances. But apple is not going to kill the protocols rendering it a paperweight.

I would wager software kills it before the networking does, so no they will.

 

[JustinTG]

Apple has discontinued the standard HomePod to focus exclusively on the HomePod mini, reports TechCrunch. First introduced four years ago, Apple's larger HomePod has never sold well because of its high price tag.

Apple hoped that the HomePod's high-quality sound would give it an edge over competing products, but sales of the HomePod have always been lackluster with so many more affordable options on the market. Apple has been selling the HomePod for $299, but it was originally priced at $350. The HomePod mini is available for $99.

The HomePod mini offers all of the features of the HomePod in a smaller and less expensive package. Many reviews praised the HomePod mini for its sound quality relative to its size, and while it won't quite match the sound available from the HomePod, it features the same Siri integration, Apple Music support, and HomeKit controls.

In a statement, Apple said that the HomePod will continue to be available while supplies last through the Apple Online Store and Apple retail stores.On Thursday, many tech sites noticed that the full-sized space gray HomePod was out of stock in the United States, but it was believed to be just a stock shortage. As it turns out, it was because Apple no longer plans to sell the HomePod.

The space gray HomePod can likely be purchased from third-party retailers, but it is no longer available from Apple, while the HomePod in white continues to be available for purchase as of right now.


Article Link: Apple Discontinues Full-Sized HomePod to Focus on HomePod Mini

I just ordered two more while I still can. I think it’s overpriced, but it still sounds way better than any of the other options. I hope we see some thing above the mini again at some point in the future.

 

[James Godfrey]

The current HomePod will be supported for at least another 5-6 years minimum IMO, they won’t just going to leave it as a paperweight anytime soon.

Imagine the come back from customers who have only had it this Christmas just gone for it to be deemed a paper weight a year or 2 later, there will be consumer laws which will prevent apple from doing that without having to give some form of refund on the purchase price.

By UK law, any product should last a reasonable amount of time, now ‘reasonable’ is not determined in law, but for a speaker I would say a good 5-10 years... so them pulling the plug completely anytime soon is highly unlikely without a major recourse.

 

[Rob_2811]

The current HomePod will be supported for at least another 5-6 years minimum IMO, they won’t just going to leave it as a paperweight anytime soon.

Imagine the come back from customers who have only had it this Christmas just gone for it to be deemed a paper weight a year or 2 later, there will be consumer laws which will prevent apple from doing that without having to give some form of refund on the purchase price.

By UK law, any product should last a reasonable amount of time, now ‘reasonable’ is not determined in law, but for a speaker I would say a good 5-10 years... so them pulling the plug completely anytime soon is highly unlikely without a major recourse.

It'll get five years no problem, twenty years definitely not..

 

[anthogag]

Is sound from 2 HomePods working as a duo much better than 1 HomePod?

This could be a cool feature for HomePod mini. The more you add the better the sound...more room filling and perhaps a noise cancelling feature as more minis are added. For example, cancel unwanted noise from construction outside, garbage trucks, foot traffic on ceiling, etc.

 

[Sciomar]

this obviously never happened.

I was talking about my worry over a friend's mental state to my partner and siri indeed offered advice about calling a number for help, even offered to call for me. That was a little weird, glad she's looking out for other's mental well-being but a little disconcerting to actively listen to conversations without a wake word used. I wonder if there are programmed items it actually listens for besides the standard "Hey Siri".

 

[CJ Dorschel]

I was talking about my worry over a friend's mental state to my partner and siri indeed offered advice about calling a number for help, even offered to call for me. That was a little weird, glad she's looking out for other's mental well-being but a little disconcerting to actively listen to conversations without a wake word used. I wonder if there are programmed items it actually listens for besides the standard "Hey Siri".

Did they say “I’m seriously going to kill myself … [rest of sentence]”? That has happened to me a few times and others when making an exaggeration. “Seriously” almost always trips up “Hey Siri”.

 

[B4rbelith]

It'll get five years no problem, twenty years definitely not..

Nobody can be sure. It’s dependent on whether it is still usable in some form or another. I would like to think that it will be updated enough and opened up to the point that it will always be a functional device in one way or another. This is the correct move from Apple, otherwise it is just more electronic pollution.
It has been jailbroken, so...

 

[ExPcUsr]

I'll lead with "I love my HomePod", but that's in spite of Siri. I wanted a voice enabled music speaker with good bass in a small footprint. My needs were obviously not the market. Most people want "good enough" audio - they're not willing to pay for great audio.

Unfortunately, the HomePod BigBoy did not deliver the home automation market to Apple or jumpstart their service subscriptions. Selling the HomePod BigBoy and AirPods Max, as awesome as they are (up for debate), will never move the needle on a trillion dollar company. As long as Apple remains hardware focused, they're just one product design failure from a stock downturn - whereas if they lock in service subscription revenue they can smooth over those revenue peaks and valleys, justify their stock valuation and present a coherent growth story.

In order to grow those services, Apple needs to give consumers access to their services everywhere. Once you have a service business set up, it's amazingly cheap to service the next customer and the margins are immense. No warranty claims, recalls, physical store space, inventory, etc. Apple doesn't need to offer the best audio, video, tactile experience... They just need you to have a way to consume their services via AirPlay on Sonos, AppleTV inside your Vizio - not tied to purchasing a best in class physical product.

I won't buy a second HomePod BigBoy now and obviously the Mini doesn't fit my needs. I'm also not going to sell my HomePod because it does what I want it to do and will for at least the next couple years. If something better comes along that works well with my existing Apple devices, then I may make a move.

 

[BGarza]

If they upgrade them, I would really like it if they could include an analog audio output to allow connection to a subwoofer. Homepods are not only perfect for complimenting my Apple TV, but they are great for running ambient sounds to keep my baby asleep. Every night I put on Ocean sounds, and every morning, when I can hear him wake up and starts crying, I just say "Hey Siri" play "Rock-A-Bye Baby". That feature alone buys me 45 more mins.

 

[I7guy]

I would wager software kills it before the networking does, so no they will.

We will see. I’ll bookmark this post and we’ll reconvene in 5 years.

 

[addictive]

Now I'm conflicted with waiting for an updated product or going all in on a second one for 'stereo' Dolby Atmos.

I'm in the same situation as you. If there's an Apple event in March we should learn more but Apple seems committed to both music and TV so there will likely be future products on these platforms.

Apple releasing AirPods Max last year make me think they're going to release something superior to the HomePod soon. Perhaps they'll release a HomePod 2 at a cheaper price point first and then go big.

I wouldn't be surprised to see a combined soundbar/Apple TV product which you could add HomePod Minis for a full surround sound experience.

 

[Morgenland]

I had so much fun with my HomePods that I don't cry for a single dollar.

I wonder what the future holds for HomePod OS development.
The Mini's OS is of course less complex at least in terms of real-time calculation of acoustics....

Apple can not expect the same profits from every product as from the iPhone.

 

[robjulo]

How about you?

Yep.

 

[I7guy]

[…]

IF Homepod had audio jacks or Bluetooth then I would agree. There is nothing stopping it from working forever. But once Apple changes their APIs etc., and they will at some point near or far, then the Homepod is a paperweight.

It has no other function without communicating with another device over a specific protocol that may be changed in 6 months or 6 years. No one knows.[…]

I’ll take “my chances” with apple deprecating the apple 2 protocols within the next 15 years.

Apple might or will piss a lot of people off if they pulled the plug on the HomePod.

 

[cmaier]

I’ll take “my chances” with apple deprecating the apple 2 protocols within the next 15 years.

Apple might or will piss a lot of people off if they pulled the plug on the HomePod.

Airports still get occasional updates. HomePod (big) will be supported for quite awhile, especially since the minis keep selling, and they will likely add other members to the family.

 

[DakotaGuy]

Please buy Bose and integrate their patents into a new range of portable speakers and home audio

Bose is a private company. I seriously doubt it’s for sale or even can be sold since the majority of the shares were gifted to MIT and they are not allowed to sell them.