One week ahead of HomePod's launch date in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia on February 9, the first batch of pre-order customers have begun receiving notifications from their banks about being charged for their orders, many located in the UK. According to tips, customers have noticed a charge placed on their cards related to HomePod orders as of early this morning, one week after pre-orders initially went up last Friday, January 26.
As customers begin getting charged, shipment preparations are also gearing up for HomePod and some MacRumors forum members have shared that their orders are "preparing for dispatch" with the expected delivery date of February 9.
This places HomePod pre-order shipping schedules on track with previous Apple device launches, and more users should begin noticing charges and shipment preparation order updates throughout the day. Next, the first set of HomePods will likely begin shipping out this weekend or early next week.
Initial hands-on impressions of the speaker have been positive, with a few websites enjoying the design of the HomePod, a "fast and seamless" integration with Siri, and favoring the audio quality over rival speakers like Sonos One and Google Home Max.
Among those giving impressions was a user on the audiophile subreddit, who noted "significantly better" audio than Google Home Max, and summed up their post by stating, "A single HomePod, for the size and price, slaughters most speakers under $1000."
For those who haven't yet pre-ordered, HomePod orders placed on Apple.com today are still available for a February 9 delivery or pick-up date in both White and Space Gray.
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Top Rated Comments
(View all)It was the same thing when the Apple Watch came out, I remember people telling me it was never going to be a success and that I’d just wasted my money, I’ve learned to just ignore those comments now.
Pretty much true. Ditto with AirPods.Some people are so invested in tearing something down they haven't tried. Guess it helps them to feel good about themselves.
With Apple's 14 day return policy, it's easy enough to evaluate HomePod in your own listening environment - which is what really counts - and then decide if it's a keeper or not.
So many people getting bent out of shape because they think everyone else should care about and agree with their opinion of this speaker. o_O
Not gonna buy this... first apple product that I don't need or want.
I always buy my Sonos at 6:42 am and post about it on a HomePod thread!Just bought some more sonos today.
Probably the most controversial speaker ever. :rolleyes:
It was the same thing when the Apple Watch came out, I remember people telling me it was never going to be a success and that I’d just wasted my money, I’ve learned to just ignore those comments now.So many people getting bent out of shape because they think everyone else should care about and agree with their opinion of this speaker. o_O
I don't understand comments like this. If this device is not for you why comment at all ? It surely doesn't add to the discussion.
Do you know what forum you're on?80% of the people on here are android fanboys.
$350? For a speaker? Apple, half of your userbase (probably more like 3/4) probably think this is just siri except not on a phone. You think they'll pay $350 for something they don't even understand?
I hear ya, bro... What's next, people paying $160 for wireless earbuds? Now that would be a real knee slapper!