Leaker: HomePod 'Mini' Close to Launch, But No Second-Generation HomePod This Year

Apple is expected to unveil a smaller, lower-priced HomePod at its digital-only event next week, which has led to speculation about the possibility of a second-generation ‌HomePod‌ also arriving. This morning, however, serial Apple leaker l0vetodream poured cold water on that idea, claiming there will be no "HomePod2" launching beside the rumored "mini" model this year.

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Earlier this year, Apple began allowing employees to purchase up to 10 HomePods at a 50 percent discount, up from the previous limit of two. Some observers had suggested that the larger purchase limit could be part of Apple's efforts to clear out inventory of the current ‌HomePod‌ ahead of a new model.

Apple may continue to sell the current ‌HomePod‌ alongside the smaller, more affordable version, but it may cut future supply orders for the premium model, which reportedly hasn't sold very well. Apple has never disclosed ‌HomePod‌ sales, instead grouping the speaker under its "Wearables, Home, and Accessories" category, but the price of the speaker is thought to have been its biggest obstacle.

Apple launched the ‌HomePod‌ in February 2018 with a $349 price tag, but then reduced its price to $299 in April 2019. The ‌HomePod‌ also has several low-priced competitors on the smart assistant front, including Amazon's fourth-generation Echo ($90) and the recently announced Google Nest ($90).


Apple has been steadily making the ‌HomePod‌ more useful by adding features such as Handoff support, multi-user voice detection, ambient sounds, and multi-room audio. Apple is also expected to add third-party music support to the ‌HomePod‌ in a future software update. The latter feature will presumably allow Spotify and other music services to be set as the default music service, letting users ask Siri to stream music by specifying "with Spotify" at the end of a request.

As for Apple's rumored smaller ‌HomePod‌, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has suggested the new speaker could include two tweeters, rather than the current model's seven, in order to drive down costs.

Related Roundups: HomePod, HomePod mini

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Top Rated Comments

farewelwilliams Avatar
62 months ago
what would a new HomePod2 do? sound better? sounds like HomePod just needs software updates to make it better.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
fishman6 Avatar
62 months ago
I think the regular HomePod is a wonderful bargain even if it were priced at $500. For a small speaker the sound quality is unmatched at this price point. I think people who complain that it’s too expensive want APPLE to give them away. And I use any music service I want to play from using my iPhone, including Spotify. Rings on the wooden surface? Give me a break. People pay $200 for AirPods yet complain about $200-300 for these beauties.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Michael Scrip Avatar
62 months ago

unless the software updates allow for it to be used as a Bluetooth speaker, the appeal will be limited just to those who are happy inside Apple's walled garden. For it to truly succeed, I think it has to have a more universal appeal.
Exactly. The fact that HomePod can't just be a Bluetooth speaker is hurting its appeal.

And do HomePods still need to be plugged into the wall?

There's a reason people still buy simple wireless Bluetooth speakers from JBL, UE, etc. You can easily take them in the backyard by the pool or in the garage. And anyone can easily connect to them at a party.

I understand that HomePods sound amazing for their size. And they have Siri and HomeKit in there too. They are true "smart" speakers.

But sometimes people just want sound that's not chained to the wall.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
justperry Avatar
62 months ago
Just lower the price of the regular one to about half.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
marklemac Avatar
62 months ago
Can't wait for a mini, this will be great for rooms where I don't care about amazing sound.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cmChimera Avatar
62 months ago

Again
- 2 iphone models in 2 sizes
- homepod mini
- game controller
- apple tv
- airpods studio

November 3d, Apple will announce mac event for the 10th of November
I have doubts that Apple will be announcing anything on US election day.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)