Apple homepod – According to trusted supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is preparing to launch a new version of its HomePod smart speaker. Apple presently sells the $99 HomePod mini as its only ideal. The unique HomePod with much more exciting sound was stopped last year after a worth drop from $349 to $299
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New Homepod Rumors
According to Kuo, Apple targets the fourth quarter of this year or the first quarter of next year to launch the next HomePod model. It will arguably be a larger model than the HomePod mini, but with features that help keep the $300 cost down like its predecessor.
The other alternative, although less likely, is a new version of the HomePod mini. Apple has released new colours for the HomePod mini, but a second-generation doesn’t seem necessary.
What is Homepod?
Apple HomePod is the company’s Wi-Fi-connected smart speaker that supports multi-room setups.
Apple’s smart speaker includes a collection of hardware that works together to deliver rich, enhanced sound by adapting to its surroundings and working in concert with other units. In addition, the smart speaker is compatible with Apple’s virtual assistant, Siri, to answer questions and provide information.
HomePods enable pairing for multiroom setups with stereo enhancements for nearby HomePods. Furthermore, the devices support a connection distance of up to 20 meters. In addition, the intelligent speaker supports different streams for different groups of speakers, which encourages the purchase of many HomePods.
With Music as its Primary Focus, Homepod Supports the Following Audio Sources:
- apple music
- iTunes music purchases
- iCloud Music Library with an Apple Music or iTunes Match subscription
- Apple podcast
- AirPlay other content to HomePod from iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV and Mac
Same Homepod Design
That’s speculation, though, as Kuo only described the new HomePod by saying. There may not be much innovation in the hardware design. But, of course, that could be a good thing given that the hardware design isn’t a considerable complaint; it’s because you want Bluetooth or line-out functionality.
Kuo says that while he sees smart speakers as “definitely one of the vital elements of the home ecosystem”, he doesn’t think Apple sees how to succeed in the speaker space. Smart speakers.
Smart Speaker Market
That’s mainly because Apple insists on top-notch audio performance that comes with higher prices. And that’s before you consider Apple’s margins to make a product worth it. The Amazon Echo and Google Nest products even rival the HomePod mini in price (if not functionality). Still, we don’t expect Apple to release a HomePod version below the HomePod mini threshold.
Since the initial launch of the HomePod, Sonos has also upgraded its intelligent speaker products with voice control capabilities. Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant first brought voice control of music and clever features to Sonos. Now, the company has developed its intelligent assistant for voice control of the music.
Kuo also recently predicted that Apple would develop a new version of the Apple TV set-top box to lower the cost structure.
The 9to5mac View
Kuo’s hottest prediction is music to our ears. We were huge fans of the original HomePod, despite its higher price than Amazon and Google offerings. The HomePod mini was a must-have option, but it wasn’t meant to be Apple’s only smart speaker. Also, mini compared to what?
With Q4 2022 and Q1 2023 not too far away, we can’t wait to learn more about this new HomePod model in development. The larger HomePods are great for the living room, while the smaller versions are better suited to the home. Hopefully, Apple found a way to get closer to the original HomePod in terms of quality, but without the high price tag that limited its mass appeal.
Or maybe Apple could make fewer premium HomePods. The AirPods Max headphones are an excellent addition to the AirPods headphone market. And the latter’s launch is light years ahead of the former. It’s also worth noticing that Apple introduced its $550 headphones before discontinuing its $300 speaker. In our measurement, the HomePod was a much better value than the AirPods Max (although they’re also excellent).
Apple is too Working on a New Version of the Apple TV Set-Top Box to Cut Costs
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is considering a new HomePod that would sit somewhere between the original HomePod and the tiny HomePod, and it’s plausible that that’s the speaker Kuo is referring to. This speaker could potentially replace the now-discontinued HomePod and cost more than the smaller HomePod but less than, the larger HomePod.
Gurman said that Apple is also working on speakers with screens and cameras to compete with devices. like the Google Nest Hub and Amazon Echo Show, though those devices aren’t expect to launch anytime soon. Additionally, Apple is testing versions of the Apple TV that connect to a HomePod and an iPad that connects to a HomePod via a robotic arm so the camera can follow the user around the room.
Conclusion
According to reports, Apple will likely release a new version of its HomePod smart speaker in late 2022 or early 2023. According to 9To5mac, Apple plans to introduce the new HomePod model in the fourth section of this year or the first section of next year, according to trusted supply chain expert Ming-Chi Kuo. It will most likely be a larger model than the smaller HomePod. But with features that help bring the $300 price down.