Repairing a HomePod Mini costs almost as much as the price of a new speaker. To repair the small-format connected speaker, Apple is asking for €91 in France. The Cupertino firm has been modelled on the rates applied for repairing the standard HomePod since its release.
In the wake of the iPhone 12, Apple has lifted the lid on the HomePod Mini, a connected speaker that packs the Siri voice assistant. The speaker differs from the first generation of HomePod in its small size and reduced selling price. The HomePod Mini costs only 99 euros,compared to 329 for the first HomePod of the name.
A few days before the speaker hit the market, Apple revealed the price of repairing the HomePod Mini on its official website. To repair the speaker in an Apple Store or an Apple-approved service center, the Californian firm is asking for €91,which is only €8 less than the purchase of a new HomePod Mini. Under these conditions, most users are expected to prefer to purchase a new accessory.
Apple pushes HomePod buyers to Apple Care
Apple applies similar rates for the classic HomePod repair service. Indeed, the brand claims 301.80 euros to repair the high-end speaker. By adding about twenty euros, you get a new speaker. This is not a big surprise. Apple has always priced a high price for repairs done by its technicians.
“If your HomePod’s problem is covered by the warranty or consumer protection law, you won’t have to pay anything. On the other hand, if your HomePod is no longer covered by the Apple warranty, or if it has accidental damage or problems caused by unauthorized modifications, repairs are considered unsecured,” Apple explains on its website.
Of course, these rates are not valid if you have subscribed to Apple Care,Apple’s insurance offering up to two years of technical assistance. If you do, repairing a HomePod Mini will only cost you €15, compared to €29 for the classic HomePod. “If you have an AppleCare contract, accidental damage protection is included. Every incident related to accidental damage is subject to a franchise,” explains Apple, anxious to convince buyers to go through Apple Care.
