Apple discontinues HomePod in favour of HomePod Mini

It has been almost four years since Apple first introduced the HomePod with its rather expensive $349 price tag. Apple's smart speaker didn't quite take off, but its smaller sibling, the HomePod Mini, has been much more successful. As a result, Apple is discontinuing the original model this year.

The full-sized version of the HomePod won't be around for much longer. Apple confirmed that it will be discontinued in a statement, while also confirming that the HomePod Mini will be replacing the original speaker.

Here is what an Apple spokesperson told TechCrunch: “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.”

While the original HomePod is going away, those who still own one will continue to get software and firmware updates, in addition to repair requests.

The HomePod first launched in July 2017, acting as Apple's alternative to the popular Amazon Alexa. Last year, Apple introduced the much cheaper HomePod Mini with a $99 price tag.

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KitGuru Says: Did any of you happen to try out one of Apple's HomePods? Do you think replacing it entirely with a Mini version is the right move, or should an upgraded full-sized HomePod be released?

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