Apple discontinuing original HomePod, now focusing only on HomePod mini
Apple has announced that its discontinuing the original HomePod to focus its efforts solely on the HomePod mini.
The original HomePod was announced four years ago. Reports have always suggested sales of the full-sized voice-activated Siri speaker were lackluster, with Apple cutting the price of the HomePod from $349 to $299 not long after its launch, as reports at the time claimed Apple Stores were seeing only a handful of daily sales for the speaker, and production being cut by Apple as its warehouses began to fill with unsold units.
In a statement to TechCrunch, Apple highlights the success of its smaller, more affordable $99 HomePod mini, saying customers have been enjoying all the speaker has to offer, for its low price.
HomePod mini has been a hit since its debut last fall, offering customers amazing sound, an intelligent assistant, and smart home control all for just $99. We are focusing our efforts on HomePod mini. We are discontinuing the original HomePod, it will continue to be available while supplies last through the Apple Online Store, Apple Retail Stores, and Apple Authorized Resellers. Apple will provide HomePod customers with software updates and service and support through Apple Care.
The statement follows after Apple.com started to show earlier this week that the Space Gray model of the original HomePod was unavailable for delivery, sparking rumors that a second-generation version may be announced soon.
Customers are able to order the last remaining HomePods online, and in retail stores, while supplies last. Apple plans to continue to offer software updates for the time being for the speaker, and service and support through Apple Care.
You can read our HomePod review here.
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