HomePod Was i wrong to return HomePod?

[Hallstar]

I recently purchased my first HomePod and have been very impressed with the quality and ability it offers, but...

I am aware that the HomePod has been around for a few years and that there is talk of a new version being announced next week.

So, i returned mine (35 days return window with John Lewis) for a full refund (£199.00) with the hope that a newer model with newer tech and better spec will be released next week.

Today I have noticed that John Lewis and other retailers have increased their retail price to £279.00

I can’t help but wonder if returning mine at £199.00 was a sensible idea. If the newer version proves to be inferior in it’s sound quality and performance, by virtue of it being considerably smaller, then. I will likely purchase a Gen 1 HomePod again, but likely at an inflated price.

Why would main retailers increase their RRP on a product that is due to have competition by its own manufacturer?

 

[circatee]

That is rather a high price hike.

When it comes to gadgets, I have noticed that there will always be a newer device within 'months'.
My recommendation would be to purchase the current model. Maybe even check Amazon for better pricing.

Upon release of the new version, give it a while for the manufacturer to work out all the kinks...

 

[inkahauts]

Apple doesn’t release newer versions of things of this nature every few months... every few years is their motto on stuff like Apple TV’s and hone pods.

I wouldn’t worry about the price, just wait till it’s lower again if you decide to go with it instead of whatever they announce. It will drop in price again and it wouldn’t shock me if it permanently becomes 199 after next weeks announcements. But it will surely be there again by thanksgiving.

 

[Itinj24]

A more advanced HomePod wasn’t (heavily) rumored but a mini, half the size, version is the very likely highly rumored possibility for the next Apple event. It’s definitely supposed to be inferior and compete more with the smaller Amazon/Google smart speakers.

 

[boltjames]

Yes, you probably made a mistake. While HomePod has been discounted at $199 two or three times a year, the hype and publicity of the new Mini at full price likely means they will also keep HomePod at full price.

What may bring the price down to $199 permanently is if Apple is in acquisition mode for new Apple Music subscribers. People forget, Apple can lose money on HomePod all day long but if it helps them attract Apple Music subscribers in perpetuity it’s a huge moneymaker.

 

[inkahauts]

Apple doesn’t lose a dime when the home pod sells for 199. Not a dime.

 

[Itinj24]

Yes, you probably made a mistake. While HomePod has been discounted at $199 two or three times a year, the hype and publicity of the new Mini at full price likely means they will also keep HomePod at full price.

What may bring the price down to $199 permanently is if Apple is in acquisition mode for new Apple Music subscribers. People forget, Apple can lose money on HomePod all day long but if it helps them attract Apple Music subscribers in perpetuity it’s a huge moneymaker.

Well the issue with this is that the HomePod was announced to work with third party music streaming services once iOS 14 makes its way to the HomePod. Apple is a hardware first business. They still have to move original HomePod units. The original HomePod wasn’t doing great on the regular price and the Mini that’s supposed to be coming out will certainly not help that if they don’t continue to offer sales prices for the regular HomePod. I see the Mini only further hurting original HomePod sales. However, an argument to this is that maybe when people start purchasing the Mini at Mini prices, then they will see what the HomePod is capable of and want something bigger and more powerful to supplement it... the original HomePod

 

[darkus]

I'm actually wondering if the homepod is going to be discontinued. In the last few weeks I noticed to find any in stock at all at local retails. They are still available online of course, but becoming harder to find in stores.

I was starting to wonder if they are just going to discontinue it and sell on the new mini one. Hope not as I like the homepod and need 2 more

 

[Hallstar]

I'm actually wondering if the homepod is going to be discontinued. In the last few weeks I noticed to find any in stock at all at local retails. They are still available online of course, but becoming harder to find in stores.

I was starting to wonder if they are just going to discontinue it and sell on the new mini one. Hope not as I like the homepod and need 2 more

I like the size and sound quality of the HomePod, but I am hopeful that Apple will release a Gen 2 of the full size HomePod with improved tech and functionality.

Fingers crossed!

 

[iAssimilated]

I'm actually wondering if the homepod is going to be discontinued. In the last few weeks I noticed to find any in stock at all at local retails. They are still available online of course, but becoming harder to find in stores.

I was starting to wonder if they are just going to discontinue it and sell on the new mini one. Hope not as I like the homepod and need 2 more

I hope not as well, since I think that would be a huge mistake. I love my Homepods and could possibly use more in the future, but I will never be in the market for the mini.

 

[Itinj24]

I have seven HomePods right now and am really looking forward to the Mini. I think they will be ideal to sprinkle them in places where a full size is overkill, but would still like Siri and speaker functionality. Places like a garage where it’s not occupied much but for the occasional car work. Master Bathroom for light listening while pooping. Kid’s Rooms (they’re 5 and 6 years old). Laundry room, Dining Room for light listening while dining, etc... All the recent leaks are putting them 3.3” tall which places it at just about half the height of the full size. Sounds small but think Echo Dot/Google Nest Mini which are basically pucks. Plus you got that new Google Nest speaker that’s priced at $100.

 

[malcky77]

I think the OP did make a mistake in returning the HomePod as he said was happy with the sound...£199 is a great price for the HomePod and have 4 of them in the main areas around the house which gives great results when you have them all playing away at the same time while doing the good old house work chores. lol

I would have kept the HomePod as all the rumours were talking about a smaller, cheaper version.....which depending on price will be good to dot around other smaller rooms about the house.

 

[Hallstar]

Well since returning my HomePod, I have sorely missed it and searched for a replacement without paying the RRP

Nothing new for less than £279, so I turned to eBay and won a SG for £160 that is ‘as new’ and has John Lewis guarantee until May 2022!

And in a ‘right place, right time’ moment, I found a white one advertised on Marketplace, locally to me, for £100!

Two for the price of (new) one!

I’m interested to see how the HP Mini will perform in sound delivery against the original HP... Will put one on my Xmas list!

 

[robjulo]

Yes, you probably made a mistake. While HomePod has been discounted at $199 two or three times a year, the hype and publicity of the new Mini at full price likely means they will also keep HomePod at full price.

What may bring the price down to $199 permanently is if Apple is in acquisition mode for new Apple Music subscribers. People forget, Apple can lose money on HomePod all day long but if it helps them attract Apple Music subscribers in perpetuity it’s a huge moneymaker.

Look who was loud wrong again. BTW, did Directv ever get Dual Live Buffers, after you so loudly and repeatedly claimed they wouldn't?

 

[boltjames]

Look who was loud wrong again. BTW, did Directv ever get Dual Live Buffers, after you so loudly and repeatedly claimed they wouldn't?

Wrong about what?

I have 5 HomePods and am perfectly happy, no defects, no Siri issues, just great sound.

 

[robjulo]

Wrong about what?

I have 5 HomePods and am perfectly happy, no defects, no Siri issues, just great sound.

How about those dual live buffers boltjames. You disappeared after that. Loud wrong, always.

 

[boltjames]

How about those dual live buffers boltjames. You disappeared after that. Loud wrong, always.

If you think I care about something that happened 20 years ago, think again. Nice to see what an impact I've had on your life though, thank you for that.

Not sure what your point is about HomePod. Great product. Best-in-class wireless streaming speakers. I love 'em.