Apple Says HomePod Mini Won't Leave Marks on Waxed or Oiled Wood Surfaces

Shortly after the full-size HomePod launched in 2018, some customers noticed that the speaker left white rings on wood surfaces with an oil or wax finish. Apple confirmed this possibility in a support document, noting that "it is not unusual for any speaker with a vibration-damping silicone base to leave mild marks when placed on some wooden surfaces," as a result of "oils diffusing between the silicone base and the table surface."

HomePod rings 1

White rings left behind by the full-size HomePod via The Wirecutter

Fortunately, Apple says that it has addressed this matter with the HomePod mini, according to Rene Ritchie's review video:


It is unclear if Apple ever made any changes to the full-size HomePod to prevent it from leaving marks on waxed or oiled wood surfaces. Apple's support document, last updated in March 2020, still has a blurb about the matter:

It is not unusual for any speaker with a vibration-damping silicone base to leave mild marks when placed on some wooden surfaces. The marks can be caused by oils diffusing between the silicone base and the table surface, and will often go away after several days when the speaker is removed from the wooden surface. If not, wiping the surface gently with a soft damp or dry cloth may remove the marks. If marks persist, clean the surface with the furniture manufacturer's recommended cleaning process. If you're concerned about this, we recommend placing your HomePod on a different surface.

HomePod mini will begin arriving to customers on Monday, November 16. Priced at $99, the speaker is available to order in the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Spain, and the UK. Read our HomePod mini reviews roundup and unboxing videos roundup for more impressions of the speaker.

Related Roundup: HomePod mini
Buyer's Guide: HomePod Mini (Caution)

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Top Rated Comments

AngerDanger Avatar
61 months ago
The rings were never a huge issue for me; I use Adobe Photoshop for all my household cleaning needs.



Attachment Image
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
applicious84 Avatar
61 months ago
Another feature the mini lacks
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GermanSuplex Avatar
61 months ago
My particleboard, veneer-covered stand that houses my HomePod is not concerned.

My nightstand... the same.

My coffee table... the same.

When I buy, I buy cheap, and if coasters are needed, its not an option.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
johannnn Avatar
61 months ago

Is there any reason why this isn't available globally?
Siri.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
glowplug Avatar
61 months ago
Make the ring in the shape of an Apple and call it a feature. people would LOVE it!
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
FelixDerKater Avatar
61 months ago
How else will it suck the life force from the wood of the table?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)