HomePod Mini Teardown Confirms Power Cord Can't Be Removed

[MacRumors]

Apple's newly released HomePod mini features a USB-C power cord that plugs into a separate power adapter, and there was speculation that the cord could perhaps be removed, but that's not the case.

In a home teardown, MacRumors forum member ouimetnick found that the power cord is not meant to come out and it is not replaceable if it is removed.

The standard HomePod also comes with a cord that's not meant to be removed, but it can technically be pulled out with enough force and then reattached. That does not appear to be the case with the HomePod mini, and attempting to remove the cable can lead to damage to the speaker.

The quick home teardown also walks through disassembling the HomePod mini and shows off the built in S5 chip that powers the device. Most people won't need to open up the HomePod mini, but it's a useful look inside in lieu of iFixit's traditional teardown.

Article Link: HomePod Mini Teardown Confirms Power Cord Can't Be Removed

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

I can't stop laughing at the first picture. Reminds me of when I was a kid and used to take things apart from around my house; then have no idea how to put it back together

 

[adamw]

Good sounding speaker, but lack of cord removal ability is a bit troubling.

 

[G5isAlive]

One wonders why they just didn't put in a USBC port so that people could use the length of cable they wanted?

Or is this not a standard USBC cable? no data allowed?

 

[Psychicbob]

I can't stop laughing at the first picture. Reminds me of when I was a kid and used to take things apart from around my house; then have no idea how to put it back together

I’ve smashed it, Dad!

 

[williamyx]

This non detachable cabling is a joke. C'mon apple y'alls really had to do this?

 

[cheesyappleuser]

Most people won't need to open up the HomePod mini

Wait, what?

 

[ouimetnick]

I can't stop laughing at the first picture. Reminds me of when I was a kid and used to take things apart from around my house; then have no idea how to put it back together

I mean you aren’t wrong. 😂 it’s back together except I have to thread the draw string back into the mesh. I usually take stuff apart on a ESD safe bench but the spare bedroom was the place to be for a quick and dirty tear down. I’ll try to get some more photos tonight.

 

[jz0309]

I mean you aren’t wrong. 😂 it’s back together except I have to thread the draw string back into the mesh. I usually take stuff apart on a ESD safe bench but the spare bedroom was the place to be for a quick and dirty tear down. I’ll try to get some more photos tonight.

Nicely done and thanks for doing and posting it!

 

[flashy-cat]

Wait, what?

He's right, most people won't need to open it.

 

[orbital~debris]

That last shot reminds me of the kind of nightmare-inducing robot face underneath an android's 'skin' (think Westworld, amongst others).

HomePod mini cute before disassemble, though!

 

[roland.g]

Ok. So can you plug the usb c cord into a large portable battery to use as a portable speaker?

 

[System Of A Down]

Most people won't need to open it


He's right, most people won't need to open it.

not the point tho.

what happens with the plug/wire goes bad? just have genius bar rip you off as usual?

 

[orbital~debris]

Also, in top-right area of the first shot: "HomePod mini is AirTag!"

 

[Reason077]

what happens with the plug/wire goes bad? just have genius bar rip you off as usual?

Unlikely to ever happen during the lifetime of a device that isn't moved around much. When was the last time you had to replace the power cord on your toaster? Your TV? Your lamp?

Laptops and phones are very different because we're plugging and unplugging them every day and stressing the cables constantly.

 

[danny842003]

not the point tho.

what happens with the plug/wire goes bad? just have genius bar rip you off as usual?

what do you do with every other household appliance that has a fixed cable? It’s a rea non issue.

 

[tymeframe]

Just plug it in and leave it be. What's the problem?

And that first photo is brutal looking lol

 

[kyleh22]

Future updates will likely include a USB charing cable. Seems like that is low hanging fruit for an improved product.

 

[Ad13]

One wonders why they just didn't put in a USBC port so that people could use the length of cable they wanted?

Or is this not a standard USBC cable? no data allowed?

Don’t give them ideas! In a brave move, they’d simply remove the cable from the box altogether.

 

[xnu]

I guess because Apple charges $19 for a simple power cable they figure a $99 speaker is just what you get.

 

[citysnaps]

This non detachable cabling is a joke. C'mon apple y'alls really had to do this?

How many toaster, radio, TV, floor lamp, (and on and on) power cords have you had to replace in the last twenty years?

For me, with many dozens of tools and home electrical products, the answer is none over a few decades.

 

[B4U]

Oh, it can be removed. We just can't put it back in. 😤

 

[contacos]

So environmental of them. Instead of just getting a new cable, you need to throw out the whole thing!

 

[citysnaps]

So environmental of them. Instead of just getting a new cable, you need to throw out the whole thing!

Why would you need to get a new cable? How many cables for toasters, TVs, radios, power tools, etc have you had to replace?

 

[grjj]

Oh, it can be removed. We just can't put it back in. 😤

EVERYTHING is removable. What was it Jamie Hyneman used to say on MythBusters... "When in doubt, C4!"