HomePod

HomePod
A white HomePod (1st generation) on display at WWDC 2017
DeveloperApple
Manufacturer
TypeSmart speaker
Release dateFebruary 9, 2018; 6 years ago (2018-02-09) (first generation)
February 3, 2023; 21 months ago (2023-02-03) (second generation)
Units sold1-3 million (2018)[2]
Operating systemaudioOS, also known as "HomePod Software"
InputMulti-touch screen, voice commands via Siri
RelatedHomePod Mini
Websitewww.apple.com/homepod/

The HomePod is a series of smart speakers developed by Apple. Designed to work with the Apple Music subscription service, the HomePod incorporates beamforming and eight speakers and is sold in two colors: white and midnight.[3][4] It is sold alongside the HomePod Mini, a smaller and less expensive variant introduced in 2020.

The first-generation HomePod was announced on June 5, 2017, at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference.[5][6] Its planned December launch was delayed:[6][7] Apple began taking orders on January 26, 2018, and released it on February 9, 2018.[8] The HomePod received mixed reviews: it was praised for its design and sound quality compared to other speakers of its price, and criticized for lack of third-party support and high price compared to other smart speakers. The first-generation HomePod sold an estimated 1 to 3 million units through August 2018. It was discontinued on March 12, 2021.[9]

The second-generation HomePod was announced on January 18, 2023, and released on February 3.[10]

  1. ^ a b "HomePod will launch in Q4 this year in limited quantity". GSMArena.com. Archived from the original on August 17, 2017. Retrieved August 17, 2017.
  2. ^ "HomePod Sales May Be Closer to 1-1.5 Million Than 3 Million Since the Speaker Launched". Archived from the original on August 22, 2018. Retrieved August 21, 2018.; "HomePod Estimated to Have 3 Million Sales and 6% Market Share in United States". Archived from the original on April 8, 2020. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
  3. ^ "Everything about HomePod". iMore. Archived from the original on June 20, 2017. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference verge-review was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Gartenberg, Chaim (June 5, 2017). "Apple announces HomePod speaker to take on Sonos". The Verge. Archived from the original on June 5, 2017. Retrieved June 5, 2017.
  6. ^ a b "Meet Apple's Echo Rival, Homepod". Fortune. Archived from the original on November 17, 2017. Retrieved November 18, 2017.
  7. ^ "Apple's HomePod delayed until next year". The Verge. Archived from the original on November 17, 2017. Retrieved November 17, 2017.; Fingas, Jon (November 17, 2017). "Apple delays HomePod smart speaker until early 2018". Engadget. Archived from the original on November 18, 2017. Retrieved November 17, 2017.; "Apple delays HomePod to 2018". CNET. Archived from the original on November 18, 2017. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  8. ^ "HomePod arrives February 9, available to order this Friday" (Press release). Apple Inc. Archived from the original on January 23, 2018. Retrieved January 23, 2018.
  9. ^ Ortolani, Parker (March 13, 2021). "Apple discontinues original HomePod". 9to5Mac. Archived from the original on March 13, 2021. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
  10. ^ "Apple introduces the new HomePod with breakthrough sound and intelligence". Apple. Archived from the original on January 18, 2023. Retrieved January 18, 2023.