Do you guys think the drop to $199 is because there is an updated model coming? I wanna get a couple of them but don't wanna buy it and then have apple release a new better model with mesh wifi or something. Has there been any talk of this?
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HomePod Price Drop (new model soon?)
- Thread starter MetalCores
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If there are going to be new HomePods, they will likely cost $350. If $300 (savings for two) is throw-away money to you, and it's going to cause you emotional distress to know that you don't have the latest model, then wait.
It’s not throw away money. But if the new models had features that benefit me then it’s worth the higher price tag.
I doubt that they will include any kind of mesh networking. Apple is out of the wifi access point business.
There's been talk of a smaller, cheaper HomePod and perhaps an update to the current one, but nothing on what that update might be. IMO, $199 is a good price even if it's a closeout. Like chabig said, a new version would probably be priced at $300 or $350.
boltjames
macrumors 601
The drop to $199 has happened every few months in the past year as a temporary price drop and it's only happened at big box and online retailers. Apple themselves are selling it for $299 so there is no indication that the product is being discontinued. The opposite, I suspect. If Best Buy and the like are screaming for a $199 HomePod, Apple can just build them one at a lesser quality and continue to sell the original for $299 in their stores.
My HomePod's are making shelter-in-place a better experience by putting great quality sound in every room of my house, the backyard too. If I were you I'd buy now and worry about the future in the future. Christmas is a long way away.
za9ra22
macrumors 65816
I bought new one (open box, but untouched) for $179 via BestBuy.com this week. I would have happily paid $299 if I had to, because for what it is, even that is pretty good value.
And while I'd bet a cheaper HomePod could stimulate sales, I'd doubt it would render as good acoustic results. I'd rather stick with this model, even if I have to wait for a bargain, than pick up a cheaper one later that doesn't sound as good!
And while I'd bet a cheaper HomePod could stimulate sales, I'd doubt it would render as good acoustic results. I'd rather stick with this model, even if I have to wait for a bargain, than pick up a cheaper one later that doesn't sound as good!
Itinj24
macrumors 601
The rumors have been pointing towards a cheaper, smaller, less capable version being announced at WWDC on June 22. Haven’t read anything about a more advanced, more expensive version recently and certainly nothing ever about mesh networking being integrated. If you can wait another month and half or so, then wait. If not, I believe the HomePod is priced just about right at 199. Like boltjames said, this 199 sale isn’t new but it doesn’t stick as permanent either.