Apple is speculated to refresh its HomePod mini smart speaker and release an updated version of the full-size model it had stopped selling in 2021.
Is Apple planning a new HomePod and HomePod mini?
Unfortunately, that’s where the news stops because Gurman doesn’t describe the new features that could be coming to both these devices other than saying that the changes won’t be “super-impressive.” Gurman thinks the speakers might drop at the end of 2023 or sometime in early 2024 as part of the company’s renewed push into the connected home. Read:How to get started with the Home app on macOS
The strategy apparently includes other home devices aside from smart speakers and set-top boxes. Gurman’s earlier rumor (not backed by other sources) calls for anew device that would combine HomePod and Apple TV functionality into a single productwith a built-in FaceTime camera thrown into the mix for good measure.
Our take: Gurman is likely right
Interestingly, Gurman speculates that Apple could be considering updating both HomePod models because the company stopped selling the original model. Despite its focus on high-quality audio, theoriginal HomePod speaker was removed from the lineupbecause it wasn’t selling well due to its high price.
It’s also interesting that Gurman tempers expectations, saying that the updates will be rather modest. If we were to speculate, we’d say that, yes, Apple should be interested in improving its offering of smart home products; and, yes, offering speakers in multiple sizes would appear to be a reasonable thing to do.
