December 23, 2024

Apple to Release New HomePod Later This Year or Early Next Year [Kuo]

Posted May 20, 2022 at 5:53pm by iClarified · 4431 views
Apple is preparing to release a new HomePod in late 2022 or early 2023, according to a new report from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Apple would release a new version of HomePod in 4Q22-1Q23, and there may not be much innovation in hardware design. Smart speakers are undoubtedly one of the essential elements of the home ecosystem, but I think Apple is still figuring out how to succeed in this market.

Currently, Apple only offers one smart speaker, the HomePod mini. Following its release in November 2020, Apple discontinued its larger HomePod. Although more expensive, the original HomePod offered a much better sound experience. Its departure left a big gap in Apple's already thin smart speaker lineup.

Kuo doesn't specify, but it's likely that the new HomePod would be larger than the HomePod mini, providing Apple Music subscribers with an alternative to popular speakers from Amazon, Sonos, and others.

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