Today, Apple has surprised everyone with the news that the larger HomePod is being discontinued as of now. Apple will still be providing the HomePod for sale through its own online store as well as other third party locations, while stocks last. Apple has said that going forward, focus is being moved to the newer HomePod mini which is significantly less expensive at £99 / $99 vs the £279 / $299 of the larger model.

Sales of the larger HomePod haven’t been the best since its introduction back in 2018, the original launch price was £329 / $350 but was later reduced to the £279 / $299 price around a year or so later. Apple has said the going forward, support and future software updates of the HomePod will be provided.

“‌HomePod mini‌ has been a hit since its debut last fall, offering customers amazing sound, an intelligent assistant, and smart home control all for just $99. We are focusing our efforts on ‌HomePod mini‌. We are discontinuing the original ‌HomePod‌, it will continue to be available while supplies last through the Apple Online Store, Apple Retail Stores, and Apple Authorized Resellers. Apple will provide ‌HomePod‌ customers with software updates and service and support through Apple Care.”

Apple

The smaller HomePod mini launched last year in November at £99 / $99, and on the dace of it was very popular with initial shipments being delayed to February 2021. Initial reviews of the HomePod mini were positive, saying that the sound quality was good, especially for the size. It also supports Siri, HomeKit, Thread and has the U1 chip.

For the time being, the larger HomePod is still in stock here in the UK at apple.com and John Lewis.