Can Apple actually be discontinuing the original “O.G.” Homepod? As someone that has owned a HomePod since it’s release, I want to share my thoughts on this announcement. Why did Apple do this and what does this mean for the future of the HomePod mini and Apple HomeKit?
Here is how Apple’s announcement to discontinue the original HomePod has affected me as I go through the 7 stages of grief.
THIS IS BIG NEWS…. and I need time to digest.
7 States of Grief
1. Shock and Denial
Ok, obviously this rumour isn’t true. The HomePod isn’t actually being discontinued. Just because Apple released a “statement” doesn’t mean it’s true. Apple is obviously just messing with us. Apple put too much development in perfecting the HopePod to just say good bye….Cannot process this information…
2. Pain and Guilt
7 tweeters, 6 far-field microphones, spacial audio…. No apple, no!
It just hurts sooo bad…. Maybe it’s my fault. Obviously buying 2 HomePods wasn’t enough. I should have had one for every room. I should have bought them for gifts. I should have started making videos earlier to announce to the world how amazing these were. I should have left more online reviews and retweeted more often…
3. Anger and bargaining
How could apple be doing this??? This isn’t right! Where is Steve Jobs? Steve wouldn’t let this happen? That’s it. Maybe it’s time to break up with Apple… Alexa, here I come. No, no… I couldn’t do that…
Hompod…I didn’t meant that. I love Apple and I am deeeeep into the ecosystem, I could never let that happen. I’m sorry Tim Cook. Please just bring back a revamped HomePod, super charge it and decrease the price point to be more competitive and I’ll make things right. I’ll start buying only Apple branded accessories even when I can find better less expensive ones on Amazon, and I’ll start paying for tv shows and movies through Apple even when they are included in my Netflix subscription……
4. Depression
I have no words…
5. Upward Turn
Ok, I can’t keep living like this….Shake it off TBL…I must find a way to go on…
6. Reconstruction and working through
So where do we go from here. Sure we have the HomePod mini but it’s just not the same. Maybe I just go out and buy another HomePod even though I don’t need it, just so I have it. Or maybe I just buy more minis.
7. Acceptance and Hope
Yeah….. The minis still sounds pretty awesome and they are more compact and fit well into most rooms. Who needs more Originals??? The mini has the U1 chip and ummm… THREAD….. yes…. Thread and if I REALLY want to I can pair 2 minis to create a stereo pair and I still come out ahead on price compared to buying an original Home Pod. Plus, I still have my 2 HopePods. It’s not like Apple will just stop supporting them, we’ve got several years left… And if I really need to fill a room with the best possible sound, there are a lot of great options with Sonos with Airplay2…… You know what? This is TOTALLY fine. The mini may not sound quite AS good as the original, but it has it’s perks and is a better HomeKit assistant and for $99 US/ $129.99 it will be more affordable to work on getting one in every room… ok, after some time to digest this… Good job Apple! Now you can focus on more important things like…Apple Glasses, Apple Car, Air tags, VR
So last week Apple announced the the HomePod is being discontinued and everyone has been talking about… (B roll or point to a couple of videos…) Considering the HomePod didn’t get the sales expected, it’s crazy to me how much people are actually talking about this. I did a video comparing the HomePod to the HomePod mini to be sure to check that video out. I’ll put the link in the description if you haven’t seen that one.
The original HomePod was released back in 2018, so only 3 years ago. It was marketed as the best sounding speaking in it’s class. To me this solidified Apple’s commitment to HomeKit. The problem for most people was the price, originally at $450 Canadian, and the lack of 3rd party support such as Spotify. For sure you can airplay from your phone, but that is still an extra step so I get it.
The original HomePod is AMAZING for people like me. If you are someone that is all in on Apple, I’m talking iPhone, Apple TV, HomeKit, Apple Music, then yeah, the HomePod is pretty amazing. But us Apple people are a special breed and now we have the HomePod minis.
The HomePod mini was rumoured long before it was released, but it was never clear if Apple would actually do this or not, and personally, I was afraid that Apple was going to just ditch the HomePod all together, but luckily they didn’t as the mini was released last fall.
So what do we lose with the mini? Well, HomeTheatre mode is pretty cool and that is how I have mine setup. It will be interesting to see if one day the minis can be setup as the default speakers for your Apple TV. Also, just the sound in general. Even two minis as a stereo pair does not sound as good as the original. But here’s the thing… If ultimate sounds is what you’re after, there are so many great sounds bars and speakers you can use, some even with airplay 2. And as long as you have a mini in your room, you retain all the Siri and HomeKit functionality. Plus the HomePod mini has the U1 chip and THREAD.
Finally, how can one argue with the Minis being much more cost effective. I currently have 3 minis in my house with another arriving on Monday, and I’m just going to keep buying these. Bathrooms, laundry room, hallways….. For $129.99, why not?
If you’re like me, and have original HomePods, then don’t worry. Apple will continue to support them for several more years. I am definitely fighting the urge to order another one before they are gone.
Now, I wouldn’t necessarily say rush out and spend $400 on a HomePod before they’re out of stock for good, BUT if you happen to find one on sale then… go for it, you will enjoy some great quality sound. It IS a great speaker and will work for many more years. And who know what Apple has planned for the future….. Maybe a sound bar or a HomeKit screen? One can dream. Maybe in future a Homekit screen…
Thanks so much for reading & I’ll talk to you soon!