Image credit: Mark Tegethoff

The HomePod is to be discontinued to make way for the HomePod Mini.

Customers looking to purchase an Apple HomePod may have recently found it difficult, at first this was thought to be due to production issues caused by Covid. However, it has become apparent that the HomePod has been discontinued completely. 

According to TechCrunch, Apple is discontinuing the HomePod and will now focus solely on the HomePod Mini, the newer, more powerful speaker. However, Apple is said to be continuing support for the HomePod with software updates and service through AppleCare. 

Although the HomePod was a feat of sound engineering it struggled to gain any major traction, arguably due to its initial price point of $349 and the state of Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, at the time of release. 

In a statement released by Apple, they explain that the HomePod will continue to be available via the Apple online store, Apple Stores, and authored third-party retailers until supplies run dry. 

“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. Apple will provide HomePod customers with software updates and service and support through Apple Care.”