HomePod Mini Launching in Additional Countries in June

[MacRumors]

Apple today announced that the HomePod mini will be launching in additional countries in June, including Austria, New Zealand, and Ireland.

Pricing is set at €99 in Austria and Ireland, and $159 in New Zealand, with the usual space gray and white color options.

HomePod mini first launched in October 2020 in the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Spain, and the UK, with availability expanded to China, Mexico, and Taiwan later in the year.

Last month, Apple announced that the full-size HomePod will be discontinued when supplies run out, with the company placing its focus on the HomePod mini. The smaller version of the HomePod received positive reviews upon its launch, with many people praising the speaker's impressive sound quality relative to its price tag and size. However, critics believe that Siri still lags behind other assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.

Article Link: HomePod Mini Launching in Additional Countries in June

 

[iGüey]

Purple? 🤣

 

[Santabean2000]

Stoked. Often miss out on things here at the bottom of the world (NZ).

can’t wait!

 

[DinkThifferent]

Stoked. Often miss out on things here at the bottom of the world (NZ).

can’t wait!

You should join the subreddit /r/MapswithoutNZ, it's hilarious!

 

[WillFisher]

As an Englishman living in NZ with his full sized HomePod and being a bit sad about HomePod being discontinued after all this time waiting... I'm excited for HomePod mini to be arriving here!!

 

[tonie walker]

i wonder what features will be unlocked in IE, currently have 2 for my nature sound during sleep...

 

[marko73]

Italy????

 

[BJMRamage]

Purple? 🤣

I first read the title as ...

HomePod Mini Launching in Additional Colors in June​

....seeing as today was a colorful announcement day.

 

[iGüey]

I first read the title as ...

HomePod Mini Launching in Additional Colors in June​

....seeing as today was a colorful announcement day.

Exactly that’s what happened to me. 🤣

 

[SidricTheViking]

😎🇮🇪☘️

 

[TheAustrianGuy]

Apple, you just got yourself a sale. Or two. Or three.

 

[Seoras]

I've had the original Home Pod for a year now here in NZ (my Apple account is still a UK one).
Works just fine which asks the question - why did Apple wait until now?
I've been living in NZ for several years now, my family (wife and kids) are all Kiwis, but I still can't tell the difference between an Aussie and Kiwi accent.
Is Apple claiming that Siri can?

 

[DeepIn2U]

As an Englishman living in NZ with his full sized HomePod and being a bit sad about HomePod being discontinued after all this time waiting... I'm excited for HomePod mini to be arriving here!!

Honestly I’m a HomePod OG owner n love the sound!

considering 3yrs is all it took for Apple to ditch the OG but kept the AppleTV 4K and upgraded it, I’m VERY sceptical of purchasing any smart speaker from Apple.
Up until last year I was FULLy against Sonos now I’m reconsidering since all the do is speakers and they’ll not quit ona product before fully giving it 150% to keep their business and revenues going. 1 product fails then light on the others gets grim and dim.

maple can focus on much more important products to make up the difference.

 

[Seoras]

Honestly I’m a HomePod OG owner n love the sound!

considering 3yrs is all it took for Apple to ditch the OG but kept the AppleTV 4K and upgraded it, I’m VERY sceptical of purchasing any smart speaker from Apple.
Up until last year I was FULLy against Sonos now I’m reconsidering since all the do is speakers and they’ll not quit ona product before fully giving it 150% to keep their business and revenues going. 1 product fails then light on the others gets grim and dim.

maple can focus on much more important products to make up the difference.

I'd be very surprised if Apple stopped supporting the original HomePod with software updates and service within the next 5 years.
With Apple its all about the brand and reputation, and as you've pointed out, trust.
I see the original HomePod as something of a good buy 2nd hand now that people are assuming the worst about it.

 

[LeonardXW]

What is rationale of not releasing HomePod mini in Singapore?

 

[iGüey]

What is rationale of not releasing HomePod mini in Singapore?

The same rationale of quitting the original HomePod all around the world: NONE.

 

[DeepIn2U]

I'd be very surprised if Apple stopped supporting the original HomePod with software updates and service within the next 5 years.
With Apple its all about the brand and reputation, and as you've pointed out, trust.
I see the original HomePod as something of a good buy 2nd hand now that people are assuming the worst about it.

Fully agreed about Brand, reputation - built on Trust. Honestly I’m not sure if the Apple Hi-Fi lasted 3yrs or longer before Apple pulled it’s plug.

My concern is there is no specific mention of OS updates in any beta’s ... so I’ll see next week with my HomePod if it gets the update After iOS and iPadOS devices I own. Fingers crossed.

Unfortunately in my city - lots of Apple users are keeping their HomePod (rightfully so) and those that are selling are selling at almost brand new pricing - so I’ll wait a few weeks/months to get my 3rd or wondering if I should just get the mini for the bedroom.