Reports from Taipei claim one of two Apple suppliers responsible for producing HomePod devices have shipped the first 1 million units ahead of the launch of the Amazon Echo-like AI speaker device scheduled for “Early 2018”.
Following the news that Apple would be delaying the launch of HomePod from their original release date of December 2017 to some point in ‘early 2018’, it appears that the lack of FCC approval for the new Siri speaker could be behind the launch delay.
As noted on Apple.com, HomePod has not been authorised as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission, and without FCC approval any technology company is unable to sell any radio-transmitting devices in the United States. – All new devices must be tested before being given the green-light for sale.
Since the introduction of HomePod back in June, Apple’s webpage has included the following footnote clearly stating FCC approval has yet to be obtained:
This device has not been authorised as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorisation is obtained.
Apple hasn’t provided specifics as to why HomePod is delayed, with the company simply saying “we need a little more time before it’s ready for our customers”, which could be a hint that they are awaiting approval from the Federal Communications Commission.