Apple Says HomePod Mini Won't Leave Marks on Waxed or Oiled Wood Surfaces

[MacRumors]

Shortly after the full-size HomePod launched in 2018, some customers noticed that the speaker left white rings on wood surfaces with an oil or wax finish. Apple confirmed this possibility in a support document, noting that "it is not unusual for any speaker with a vibration-damping silicone base to leave mild marks when placed on some wooden surfaces," as a result of "oils diffusing between the silicone base and the table surface."

White rings left behind by the full-size HomePod via The Wirecutter​

Fortunately, Apple says that it has addressed this matter with the HomePod mini, according to Rene Ritchie's review video:

It is unclear if Apple ever made any changes to the full-size HomePod to prevent it from leaving marks on waxed or oiled wood surfaces. Apple's support document, last updated in March 2020, still has a blurb about the matter:

It is not unusual for any speaker with a vibration-damping silicone base to leave mild marks when placed on some wooden surfaces. The marks can be caused by oils diffusing between the silicone base and the table surface, and will often go away after several days when the speaker is removed from the wooden surface. If not, wiping the surface gently with a soft damp or dry cloth may remove the marks. If marks persist, clean the surface with the furniture manufacturer's recommended cleaning process. If you're concerned about this, we recommend placing your HomePod on a different surface.

HomePod mini will begin arriving to customers on Monday, November 16. Priced at $99, the speaker is available to order in the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Spain, and the UK. Read our HomePod mini reviews roundup and unboxing videos roundup for more impressions of the speaker.

Article Link: Apple Says HomePod Mini Won't Leave Marks on Waxed or Oiled Wood Surfaces

 

[Mac-lover3]

Is there any reason why this isn't available globally?

 

[GermanSuplex]

My particleboard, veneer-covered stand that houses my HomePod is not concerned.

My nightstand... the same.

My coffee table... the same.

When I buy, I buy cheap, and if coasters are needed, its not an option.

 

[applicious84]

Another feature the mini lacks

 

[johannnn]

Is there any reason why this isn't available globally?

Siri.

 

[rikscha]

My mahogany furniture has never been affected by this and I believe the right wing of our house has about 10 homepods scattered around.

 

[FelixDerKater]

How else will it suck the life force from the wood of the table?

 

[AngerDanger]

The rings were never a huge issue for me; I use Adobe Photoshop for all my household cleaning needs.

 

[macguru212]

But it will burn a hole straight to Hades if placed on any human-made material.

 

[Dominicanyor]

I should’ve have purchase the original HomePod when it was on sale for 199.00 Waiting for Best Buy to have it on sale again.

 

[skitidetdu]

I guess the HomePod mini actually costs $80 since it includes the $19 charger.

 

[GermanSuplex]

I should’ve have purchase the original HomePod when it was on sale for 199.00 Waiting for Best Buy to have it on sale again.

It's routinely on sale at that price quite often, so don't pay full price.

 

[BMcCoy]

It must be popular and/or in very low supply - apple website currently showing January for delivery (UK).

 

[Nogi Memes]

You're placing it on the table wrong.

 

[Digital Dude]

Fortunately, my Norwegian organic sassafras coffee table is impervious to the molecular structures of silicon—?

 

[Villarrealadrian]

First the headphone jack, then the charger, and now the marks on my table! Unacceptable! Conditiooon!

 

[SchrodingersMartian]

That looks like a dirty house with a dirty table which is not the the fault of Apple but the fault of bad housekeeping.

 

[robjulo]

I should’ve have purchase the original HomePod when it was on sale for 199.00 Waiting for Best Buy to have it on sale again.

I'm sure it will be on sale. The original factory run are (or at least were earlier this year) still being sold. Not exactly huge demand.

 

[glowplug]

Make the ring in the shape of an Apple and call it a feature. people would LOVE it!

 

[SWAON]

Funny news for funny days.

 

[shamino]

Apple needs to start selling HomePod coasters. They need some product to take the place of the long-since-discontinued iPod Socks.

 

[44267547]

I should’ve have purchase the original HomePod when it was on sale for 199.00 Waiting for Best Buy to have it on sale again.

You’re still in luck, with black Friday coming, I would keep an eye on any other discounts. I don’t think to many retailers in ‘brick and mortar’ stores will discount the it all that much, but Online third-party vendors will probably try to liquidate any overstock.

 

[TheWatchfulOne]

I wonder what would happen if you placed the HomePod on top of an iPhone 12 leather case? Surely that would result in a ring happening? ?

 

[SBlue1]

Can you finally set the EQ for this thing? Maybe even ask Siri to bump up the bass?

 

[ErikGrim]

I have four HomePods on two different wooden surfaces where they've stayed since they were introduced. No marks at all where they're sitting.