HomePod HomePod Discontinued... Discussion.

[sracer]

Apple will continue to provide updates and support for HomePod and look for a HomePod Max or HomePod Pro to be introduced. HomePod isn't discontinued. It's just on pause.

Do you have a link to an official statement from Apple regarding that claim that the HomePod is on pause?

HomePod Max or HomePod Pro isn't an actual Apple product but an idea that you have. I don't see how an imaginary follow-on product and imaginary future support of an existing product is of any value to people working through the current HomePod situation.

 

[boltjames]

Is this a sure thing?

No, but it's common sense.

There is no way that Apple invests so heavily in Lossless and Spatial Audio and doesn't come out with an amazing high-fidelity follow up to HomePod.

 

[boltjames]

HomePod Max or HomePod Pro isn't an actual Apple product but an idea that you have. I don't see how an imaginary follow-on product and imaginary future support of an existing product is of any value to people working through the current HomePod situation.

It helps people thusly:

Apple is not abandoning the audiophile speaker space (HomePod) for the crappy personal assistant space (Mini). Be it through support for the original HomePod or the release of a new HomePod Pro, Apple is in the audiophile game.

Spatial Audio makes this a no brainer, Lossless too. HomePod is an Apple Music accessory and Apple Music is the largest streaming platform in the United States, and has more paid subscribers than Spotify to the tune of 660M to 158M. It makes no sense for Apple to run away from premium speakers at this juncture; it makes perfect sense that old HomePod had to go to clear the runway for its replacement.

 

[I7guy]

IOS 14.6 loading on HomePod...not bad for a discontinued product. Go Apple!

 

[robjulo]

It helps people thusly:

Apple is not abandoning the audiophile speaker space (HomePod) for the crappy personal assistant space (Mini). Be it through support for the original HomePod or the release of a new HomePod Pro, Apple is in the audiophile game.

Spatial Audio makes this a no brainer, Lossless too. HomePod is an Apple Music accessory and Apple Music is the largest streaming platform in the United States, and has more paid subscribers than Spotify to the tune of 660M to 158M. It makes no sense for Apple to run away from premium speakers at this juncture; it makes perfect sense that old HomePod had to go to clear the runway for its replacement.

And Directv is NEVER adding dual live buffers.

 

[Blkant]

I started playing with my HomePod as a TV speaker through the new Apple TV eARC setup and finding myself deeply regretting not buying a second HomePod for stereo support. So much so I have begun to look around for a second but Space Grey seems to have completely evaporated after only two months since it's discontinuation.

For those that have been following it since discontinuation, are additional stocks periodically arriving at stores still or is this likely the last opportunity to buy one (though in a non-matching white)?

Or at this point would it be best to get a used one for less (though still white...) in the hopes of a HomePod 2/Pro?

It's been a tough decision.

 

[mikeb71]

No, but it's common sense.

There is no way that Apple invests so heavily in Lossless and Spatial Audio and doesn't come out with an amazing high-fidelity follow up to HomePod.

Apple re common sense 😁:

But seriously, I agree that they must be intending to bring out a higher quality speaker at some point further down the line otherwise their current strategy just doesn't make any sense. My worry is that unless they improve Siri we're going to see a repeat of what happened to the original HomePod with reviewers liking the sound but knocking it for it's smart abilities. Additionally, you have to remember that whatever they bring out as a 'high quality' speaker will inevitably be compared to the original by the reviewers too, so if it's a 'cheaper' version (from Apple's production point of view) and not quality as good sonically it'll probably get knocked for that too. Unfortunately Apple can't really win due to preconceptions people have with regards to Siri which will always hamper the devices that it's attached to, especially in this type of device category.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Apple re common sense :
View attachment 1782473

But seriously, I agree that they must be intending to bring out a higher quality speaker at some point further down the line otherwise their current strategy just doesn't make any sense. My worry is that unless they improve Siri we're going to see a repeat of what happened to the original HomePod with reviewers liking the sound but knocking it for it's smart abilities. Additionally, you have to remember that whatever they bring out as a 'high quality' speaker will inevitably be compared to the original by the reviewers too, so if it's a 'cheaper' version (from Apple's production point of view) and not quality as good sonically it'll probably get knocked for that too. Unfortunately Apple can't really win due to preconceptions people have with regards to Siri which will always hamper the devices that it's attached to, especially in this type of device category.

It’s a weird market for Apple in my opinion. Amazon and Google do the smart assistant sector so well and dominate it and the HomePod sort of sits in between this market and the mid tier speaker market. I know some here have suggested the original HomePod was ‘high end’ but it really wasn’t competing against the likes of B&O, Dali, and the like at many times the cost. I feel the original HomePod was overpriced for the mass market interested in a smart assistant come Music speaker and too restricted to compete in the mid to higher tier audiophile markets. It’ll be interesting to see what Apples next step is as it seemed odd to pull the original early before releasing a replacement.

Maybe they’ll aim for the £200 mark? The fact it’s not a multiple option streaming devices also harmed its impact too I think.

 

[richard371]

My setup consists of an LG 65 OLED, ATV 4K second gen, 2 HomePods in stereo, and 1 remote (ATV). Much happy with this then when I had a Klipch 5.1, Denon recover, multiple remotes etc. Yes the surround was nice but not as good when just using 2 speakers in stereo. I feel like surround is like 3d TV. I do just fine without it and would rather have superior 2 channel sound. Now if apple can create a way to add 2 minis for surround that would be amazing.

 

[Itinj24]

It’s a weird market for Apple in my opinion. Amazon and Google do the smart assistant sector so well and dominate it and the HomePod sort of sits in between this market and the mid tier speaker market. I know some here have suggested the original HomePod was ‘high end’ but it really wasn’t competing against the likes of B&O, Dali, and the like at many times the cost. I feel the original HomePod was overpriced for the mass market interested in a smart assistant come Music speaker and too restricted to compete in the mid to higher tier audiophile markets. It’ll be interesting to see what Apples next step is as it seemed odd to pull the original early before releasing a replacement.

Maybe they’ll aim for the £200 mark? The fact it’s not a multiple option streaming devices also harmed its impact too I think.

Well there were rumors floating around a few months ago of a mid sized HomePod. They refer to it as a third sized option but well, you know…

HomePod: Should You Buy? Features, Reviews and More

Introduced in January 2023, the second-generation HomePod looks nearly identical to the first-generation HomePod but it has new temperature and...

www.macrumors.com

 

[9512tacoma]

My setup consists of an LG 65 OLED, ATV 4K second gen, 2 HomePods in stereo, and 1 remote (ATV). Much happy with this then when I had a Klipch 5.1, Denon recover, multiple remotes etc. Yes the surround was nice but not as good when just using 2 speakers in stereo. I feel like surround is like 3d TV. I do just fine without it and would rather have superior 2 channel sound. Now if apple can create a way to add 2 minis for surround that would be amazing.

I will have basically the same setup tomorrow when 2nd gen 4K arrives. LG 55 OLED with current 1st gen 4K and stereo HomePods. Wanted new model for earc to HomePods from lg 4K blu ray and Xbox series’s x. HomePod minis for surround would be the next thing. WWDC is next month so we will see

 

[ouimetnick]

I got the dreaded farting sound coming out of one of my HomePods the other day. A reboot fixed it but I hope it don’t come back. If it continues I’d have no choice but to pay the repair fee which is more than I paid for it and can’t buy it new anymore. Bummer.

The farting noise is a known issue. PLENTY of people on the web have reported it along with the other usual failures (flashing volume lights, boot loops, popping noises, etc)

Apple refuses to acknowledge anything, but that doesn’t make it less known. 🤣

Don’t be a sucker who gives Apple $279 for another unit. Sell the farting one NOW before it fails fully. You can still get over $100 for it. Take that money and buy a gently used one on eBay or whatever.

I have 11 of these right now, so I’ve been selling some here and there locally and on eBay. Only need 9-10

Some of the “broken” units I bought on eBay were working fine. I paid $90 for a HomePod that had a damaged power cord. $20 later and it’s working. Even bought AppleCare for it since it was under 1 year old. Now I have a like new HomePod with a warranty until early 2023, and I’ve invested $150 into it.

Another “broken” one wouldn’t connect to the sellers WiFi. Works fine here. Bought it for $88, used it for 4 months to make sure it’s operational and now it’s currently sitting at $227 on eBay.

Remember that $279 gets you a new or refurbished unit and a 90 day warranty. Even though Apple doesn’t have any more Space Gray HomePods in retail inventory, they have plenty in service channels. They have to support it for 5 years after discontinuation, from there it moves to “vintage” status, and then “obsolete” status 7 years after discontinuation. But if you can find a functional unit for less than $279, why give Apple the money? They only warranty it for 90 days. I’d risk a fully functional used one and warranty it myself🤷‍♂️

 

[ouimetnick]

No, but it's common sense.

There is no way that Apple invests so heavily in Lossless and Spatial Audio and doesn't come out with an amazing high-fidelity follow up to HomePod.

Lol, it’s far from common sense. You seem so sure about it, but the rumor mill isn’t backing you up on this.

I think it’s perfectly clear that Apple has no immediate plans for a HomePod successor. Maybe next year or in a few years, but nothing on the horizon.

If there was a replacement due this year or early next, they’d keep production of the current unit going just to keep supply. You don’t discontinue a product only to replace it a few months later. That is not how Apple operates.

They didn’t discontinue their 2013 Mac Pro in 2017 and introduce a new one 2 years later, they kept the old (poor value) machine around until it’s replacement was ready to go.

If Apple was genuinely SERIOUS about audio, why would they release a $550 set of headphones knowing full well that their upcoming lossless streaming service won’t work with them?

I see Apple focusing on the HomePod mini for the immediate future. The OG HomePod is dead, not on “pause” it will receive software updates and support, that’s it.

They may re-enter the OG HomePod price point with a rumored Apple TV/HomePod or HomePod with screen, but the original design goals and principles that were applied to the original HomePod failed and won’t be tried again, at least not at the production costs and retail price.

HomePod mini is dirt cheap to make (compared to the OG) and horribly overpriced for its competitors in its size class, but the magic $99 price point makes it a hit.

HomePod mini has a small cheap speaker and singular amplifier IC. Original HomePod has 8 amplifiers (7 for each tweeter and 1 for the woofer), and 8 speaker drivers.

The costs of speaker drivers and amplifier ICs alone for the original model probably costs more than the entire HomePod mini does to make.

 

[Itinj24]

The farting noise is a known issue. PLENTY of people on the web have reported it along with the other usual failures (flashing volume lights, boot loops, popping noises, etc)

Apple refuses to acknowledge anything, but that doesn’t make it less known. 🤣

Don’t be a sucker who gives Apple $279 for another unit. Sell the farting one NOW before it fails fully. You can still get over $100 for it. Take that money and buy a gently used one on eBay or whatever.

I have 11 of these right now, so I’ve been selling some here and there locally and on eBay. Only need 9-10

Some of the “broken” units I bought on eBay were working fine. I paid $90 for a HomePod that had a damaged power cord. $20 later and it’s working. Even bought AppleCare for it since it was under 1 year old. Now I have a like new HomePod with a warranty until early 2023, and I’ve invested $150 into it.

Another “broken” one wouldn’t connect to the sellers WiFi. Works fine here. Bought it for $88, used it for 4 months to make sure it’s operational and now it’s currently sitting at $227 on eBay.

Remember that $279 gets you a new or refurbished unit and a 90 day warranty. Even though Apple doesn’t have any more Space Gray HomePods in retail inventory, they have plenty in service channels. They have to support it for 5 years after discontinuation, from there it moves to “vintage” status, and then “obsolete” status 7 years after discontinuation. But if you can find a functional unit for less than $279, why give Apple the money? They only warranty it for 90 days. I’d risk a fully functional used one and warranty it myself🤷‍♂️

Well, because buying a used one might land me one that the owner is selling because his started farting too, you know the same reason you suggested I sell mine lol

 

[ouimetnick]

Well, because buying a used one might land me one that the owner is selling because his started farting too, you know the same reason you suggested I sell mine lol

True, but my recommendation was based on everyone acting in good faith. The units I’m selling are fully functional and god forbid it stops working a few days after the buyers gets it, then I’ll have to make it right (I note down serial numbers to prevent anyone from scamming me)

I’ve also sold some broken units on eBay as well, but they are advertised as such. I would expect you to sell yours as a parts unit or make note of the farting issue when selling it. Likewise I would hope someone selling you one advertised as working actually works.

 

[Itinj24]

True, but my recommendation was based on everyone acting in good faith. The units I’m selling are fully functional and god forbid it stops working a few days after the buyers gets it, then I’ll have to make it right (I note down serial numbers to prevent anyone from scamming me)

I’ve also sold some broken units on eBay as well, but they are advertised as such. I would expect you to sell yours as a parts unit or make note of the farting issue when selling it. Likewise I would hope someone selling you one advertised as working actually works.

Gotchya. I was just goofing’ 😁

 

[azpekt]

My setup consists of an LG 65 OLED, ATV 4K second gen, 2 HomePods in stereo, and 1 remote (ATV). Much happy with this then when I had a Klipch 5.1, Denon recover, multiple remotes etc. Yes the surround was nice but not as good when just using 2 speakers in stereo. I feel like surround is like 3d TV. I do just fine without it and would rather have superior 2 channel sound. Now if apple can create a way to add 2 minis for surround that would be amazing.

Oh, I tried to replace my 2.1 Q-Acoustics system with OG, and didn’t really liked it. Soundstage became less of a stage and more an “immersion”, which is cool all by itself - but lack of proper central channel and unidirectional nature of a HomePod is not making a good replacement for mid-fi system.

I moved it to my office instead - and placed it in stereo pair on my table, and they do make a pair of decent (albeit expensive) laptop/iPad speakers.

 

[AL2TEACH]

Oh, I tried to replace my 2.1 Q-Acoustics system with OG, and didn’t really liked it. Soundstage became less of a stage and more an “immersion”, which is cool all by itself - but lack of proper central channel and unidirectional nature of a HomePod is not making a good replacement for mid-fi system.

I moved it to my office instead - and placed it in stereo pair on my table, and they do make a pair of decent (albeit expensive) laptop/iPad speakers.

I tried it out of curiosity and hooked back up the Sony CT800 with rear speakers. The HomePods were much better than TV speakers without a doubt and maybe better than quite a few single soundbars.

 

[One2Grift]

It helps people thusly:

Apple is not abandoning the audiophile speaker space (HomePod) for the crappy personal assistant space (Mini). Be it through support for the original HomePod or the release of a new HomePod Pro, Apple is in the audiophile game.

Spatial Audio makes this a no brainer, Lossless too. HomePod is an Apple Music accessory and Apple Music is the largest streaming platform in the United States, and has more paid subscribers than Spotify to the tune of 660M to 158M. It makes no sense for Apple to run away from premium speakers at this juncture; it makes perfect sense that old HomePod had to go to clear the runway for its replacement.

I definitely see your reasoning but at the end of the day it’s still theoretical. I’d love to have had a HomePod but Apple’s roll out along with the semi recent “pause” still leaves me dubious of its actual future (whether that future is none or HomePod Air, HomePod Pro, or a brand new super line HomePod Gigante).

 

[One2Grift]

Truth be told, I don't need lossless, I think the sound quality from lossy Apple Music is phenomenal.

Agreed. The lossy sound quality is very excellent.
Tech and A/V industry always like to provide/sell that next best step/thing. It’s just that the next thing sometimes is barely even a thing in the real world. How much differentiator is lossless when the starting point is very excellent? Enough for Apple, Amazon etc to reengineer products with the expectation of sufficiently big sales and profits?

 

[B/D]

I definitely see your reasoning but at the end of the day it’s still theoretical. I’d love to have had a HomePod but Apple’s roll out along with the semi recent “pause” still leaves me dubious of its actual future (whether that future is none or HomePod Air, HomePod Pro, or a brand new super line HomePod Gigante).

I´m more concerned with the physical future of all sold units of OG. There are many, many, many reports about them suddenly dying (death fart, blinking lights...) after just 1.5/ 2.5 years of use, and Apple then offering a refurbished unit for $279, which is not acceptable to me.

I wonder if thats the reason why they were discontinued, some sort of overheating malfunction or something like that. I am afraid that this could be a general issue and all the OG Homepods are affected, and are going to die sooner or later.

I have a pair with an ATV4K (and a mini in the kitchen), and they are my main speakers for both movies and music. I hope they last at least a few years.

 

[Shanghaichica]

I´m more concerned with the physical future of all sold units of OG. There are many, many, many reports about them suddenly dying (death fart, blinking lights...) after just 1.5/ 2.5 years of use, and Apple then offering a refurbished unit for $279, which is not acceptable to me.

I wonder if thats the reason why they were discontinued, some sort of overheating malfunction or something like that. I am afraid that this could be a general issue and all the OG Homepods are affected, and are going to die sooner or later.

I have a pair with an ATV4K (and a mini in the kitchen), and they are my main speakers for both movies and music. I hope they last at least a few years.

Agreed. I've gone all in with homepods. I've got an OG stereo pair hooked up to my apple TV 4K. A mini stereo pair in my dining room and single minis in my kitchen and bedroom.

I use them as speakers for music and as the outputs for my Apple TVs. When I got my first OG Homepod I got rid of all my cds and gave my stereo away.

 

[AL2TEACH]

Agreed. The lossy sound quality is very excellent.
Tech and A/V industry always like to provide/sell that next best step/thing. It’s just that the next thing sometimes is barely even a thing in the real world. How much differentiator is lossless when the starting point is very excellent? Enough for Apple, Amazon etc to reengineer products with the expectation of sufficiently big sales and profits?

eh, lossless is not new, it's a cd.

 

[One2Grift]

eh, lossless is not new, it's a cd.

Correct, lossless isn’t new (and not a term limited to audio). CD, in theory and if memory serves me, was meant to capture everything that is ‘given’ to it (essence of lossless). With that, the question is, is lossless a big enough quality differentiator to make it a profitable ‘thing’? Especially when lossy quality Apple Music is outstanding?

 

[Synomenon]

My setup consists of an LG 65 OLED, ATV 4K second gen, 2 HomePods in stereo, and 1 remote (ATV). Much happy with this then when I had a Klipch 5.1, Denon recover, multiple remotes etc. Yes the surround was nice but not as good when just using 2 speakers in stereo. I feel like surround is like 3d TV. I do just fine without it and would rather have superior 2 channel sound. Now if apple can create a way to add 2 minis for surround that would be amazing.

I currently have a simple home theater setup:
- Slim Marantz AV receiver
- QAcoustics 3010i for L+R
- QAcoustics 3090ci for center
- Cambridge Audio Minx Min 12 for L height + R height
- SVS PB12-NSD subwoofer


I've run the Audyssey room correction / calibration on my Marantz. I watched a couple of shows last night through a 2021 ATV4k + LG CX OLED TV. The audio (especially the dialog from whoever was speaking at any given moment) just sounded more natural and audible with the HomePods. Of course boom and bass is better with the receiver. Max volume was kind of weird with the HomePods. Some shows on Netflix and Disney+ wouldn't get very loud, but everything I watched on Paramount+ got plenty loud.

I like the ATV4k + Homepods for the simplicity. Having eARC working properly helps too. I could use the Siri remote for almost everything except changing channels on my cable box and accessing settings for the cable box and TV.

With Logitech giving up on the universal remote market, at some point many of us will be relying on eARC and multiple remotes for home theater setups again.