Second-generation HomePod will be cheaper than the original. Rumors continue to swirl that Apple is considering resurrecting its full-size HomePod. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and reliable Mark Gurman, a second generation of the smart speaker is in the works, with a launch expected as early as this year.
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Writing in the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman suggests the updated model could feature a new touch control panel on top, the S8 chip found in the latest Apple Watch lineup, and a lower price tag than the original. noting that the speaker will have a “similar design to the 2018 model.”
Among the information hypothesized by Gurman, the one of greatest interest to the public could be precisely that relating to the price. A corrected price list could, in fact, help Apple solve the main problem of the original: according to many, in fact, the failure of the first HomePod could be attributable to the initial price of 329 dollars, then reduced by 15% to 299 dollars.
According to Gurman, “the return of the larger HomePod size is set for this year,” suggesting that the speaker will be a similar size to the original 6.8-inch-tall model. As for the design, Gurman curbs enthusiasm and stresses that there will be nothing revolutionary, pointing out that the speaker will probably be updated with the S8 chip and improvements to the touch control panel, but that there will be no aesthetic revolution.
Gurman previously reported that Apple’s upcoming full-size HomePod could add multi-touch capabilities, though no further details were shared, suggesting the new model will have a “similar design to the 2018 model.”
Respected industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo was the first to report in May last year that Apple might be considering dusting off a second-generation HomePod. Moreover, some clues about the next speaker were also found on iOS 16, in whose code references to an “AudioAccessory6” were found, which apparently would refer to a new version of the smart speaker with Siri on board.