Apple abandons the first HomePod of the name. Four years after its launch, the Cupertino firm is drawing a definitive line on its ultra premium connected speaker. Apple prefers to focus on the HomePod Mini, which was an immediate success.
Credits: Howard Bouchevereau via Unsplash
Remember, in 2018, Apple proudly launched the HomePod, its first speaker connected with Siri. Sold for 329 euros, the high-end connected speaker has failed to make a name for itself on the market despite its many advantages, including impeccable audio quality and careful design. Limited to Apple Music, the HomePod has failed to nibble on the market share of Google Home or Amazon Echo.
Determined to compete with Google and Amazon, Apple recently released the HomePod Mini, a more affordable version of the connected speaker. Offered at only 99 degrees, the HomePod Mini has received an excellent critical and commercial reception. Quickly, the small enclosure ran out of stock on the brand’s website.
Related: HomePod Mini – Repairing the speaker is almost as expensive as buying one at €99
Apple focuses on the HomePod Mini, the speaker at 99
Driven by the success of its first affordable speaker, Apple decided to focus on the HomePod Mini and draw a line under the first-generation HomePod. In a statement to our TechCrunch colleagues, Apple said it was discontinuing production of the connected speaker. “Weare abandoning the original HomePod, which will remain available until inventory runs out via the Apple Online Store, Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. Apple will provide HomePod customers with software updates, services and support via Apple Care,” the California-based firm said. The Cupertino giant has put more than 5 years of development into the development of its high-end speaker. This is a real admission of failure on the part of Apple.
Unsurprisingly, Apple highlights the success of the HomePod Mini. “The HomePod mini has been a hit since its debut last fall, offering customers incredible sound, a smart assistant and smart home control for just €99. We are focusing our efforts on HomePod mini,” continues Apple, silencing rumors about a high-end HomePod 2.
Source: TechCrunch
