Apple Discontinues Full-Sized HomePod to Focus on HomePod Mini

Apple has discontinued the standard HomePod to focus exclusively on the HomePod mini, reports TechCrunch. First introduced four years ago, Apple's larger ‌HomePod‌ has never sold well because of its high price tag.

HomePodandMini feature
Apple hoped that the ‌HomePod‌'s high-quality sound would give it an edge over competing products, but sales of the ‌HomePod‌ have always been lackluster with so many more affordable options on the market. Apple has been selling the ‌HomePod‌ for $299, but it was originally priced at $350. The ‌HomePod mini‌ is available for $99.

The ‌HomePod mini‌ offers all of the features of the ‌HomePod‌ in a smaller and less expensive package. Many reviews praised the HomePod mini for its sound quality relative to its size, and while it won't quite match the sound available from the ‌HomePod‌, it features the same Siri integration, Apple Music support, and HomeKit controls.

In a statement, Apple said that the ‌HomePod‌ will continue to be available while supplies last through the Apple Online Store and Apple retail stores.

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.

On Thursday, many tech sites noticed that the full-sized space gray ‌HomePod‌ was out of stock in the United States, but it was believed to be just a stock shortage. As it turns out, it was because Apple no longer plans to sell the ‌HomePod‌.

The space gray ‌HomePod‌ can likely be purchased from third-party retailers, but it is no longer available from Apple, while the ‌HomePod‌ in white continues to be available for purchase as of right now.

Related Roundup: HomePod
Buyer's Guide: HomePod (Buy Now)

Top Rated Comments

Runs For Fun Avatar
33 months ago
Not a good move IMO. The HomePod sounds way, way better than the Mini and not having a high quality audio option is going to hurt.
Score: 113 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zahuh Avatar
33 months ago
RIP big guy. Tell iPod Hi-Fi we said hi!
Score: 94 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MacBird Avatar
33 months ago
That is unfortunate, I have two stereo pairs and really like them.
Score: 83 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JamonBull Avatar
33 months ago
This is sad. Devastating for me really. I have a stereo pair attached to my TV and couldn't be happier with the sound quality and the way they work with my Apple TV 4K. I don't understand why Apple don't just keep them around and update the internals. I absolutely love being able to play, pause, rewind, raise and lower volume etc. using Siri on my HomePods. It's a sad day!
Score: 63 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macsareveryinteresting Avatar
33 months ago
Why would they discontinue the HomePod when they just rolled out with Dolby Atmos. The HomePod is the only one with the theater sound is the HomePod. That’s not a very smart move on Apples part.
Score: 51 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tomtendo Avatar
33 months ago
Terrible decision IF true. I have 2 HomePod Minis and 2 HomePod [regulars]. I use them daily.
Score: 40 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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