Apple may update HomePod mini and discontinued full-size model

Apple is expected to update its HomePod mini smart speaker and release an updated version of the full-size model, which ended sales in 2021.

• What is happening? Apple is rumored to be considering upgrading its $99 HomePod mini speaker and bringing a full-size model back from the dead. But don’t get your hopes up just yet because the rumored accessories won’t be released until late 2023 or early 2024.
• Why care? Apple no longer offers the original full-sized HomePod, but some people would love to see it revived in one form or another. Apple’s smart home strategy is a little confusing, although that could change with these all-new speakers.
• What to do? Keep using your HomePods, new ones will arrive in two years.

Apple planning new HomePod and HomePod mini?

The source of this rumor is the latest edition of Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter on Bloomberg, in which the author states that a HomePod mini update is in the works. In addition, the company may consider bringing the HomePod mini back from the dead. Read: How to Set Up a Primary HomePod User

Unfortunately, this is where the news ends, because Gurman doesn’t describe the new features that could come with both of these devices, except that the changes won’t be “super impressive.”Gurman believes the speakers could fail in late 2023 or sometime in early 2024 as part of the company’s renewed push towards the connected home. Read: How to get started with the Home app on macOS

The strategy appears to include other home devices besides smart speakers and set-top boxes. Gourmand’s earlier rumor (not backed up by other sources) calls for a new device that would combine HomePod and Apple TV functionality in one product, with a built-in FaceTime camera thrown into the mix for good measure.

Our opinion: Gurman is most likely right

Interestingly, Gurman suggests that Apple may consider updating both HomePod models because the company has stopped selling the original model. Despite the emphasis on high-quality audio, the original HomePod speaker was removed from the lineup because it sold poorly due to its high price tag.

It is also interesting that Gurman tempered expectations, saying that the updates will be quite modest. If we were to guess, we would say that yes, Apple should be interested in improving its smart home product offering; and, yes, offering different speaker sizes seems reasonable.