Apple has officially discontinued the original HomePod and will stop selling it when supplies run out online and in Apple Retail Stores.
The company made a surprise announcement via TechCrunch on Friday, saying it will move its focus to the new HomePod mini, which was announced in October 2020.
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 original HomePod launched in early 2018 and is powered by an A8 chip, with Siri integration, seven tweeters and spatial recognition. It also supported AirPlay 2 and stereo sound.
A year later, Apple cut the price of the HomePod from $349 to $299 amid reports of low sales due to a high price point. The HomePod was commenced for its top-notch audio quality which couldn’t be matched by other smart speakers.
Apple now sells the HomePod mini for $99, with 360-degree audio, a new round design with touch interface on the top. It’s powered by the S5 chip.
The original HomePod will likely soon be dropped from receiving further software updates due to the age of the A8 chip that powers the speaker.
