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Apple had discontinued the full-size HomePod in 2021.
Courtesy of Apple
Apple
is bringing back the HomePod smart speaker, which can respond to Siri voice commands, serve as a smart-home controller, and provide an easy way to listen to Apple Music.
First introduced in 2018, Apple discontinued the full-size HomePod in 2021, focusing on the smaller HomePod Mini. The new full-size version, priced at $299, can be ordered now, and starts shipping on Feb. 3. The original HomePod had been priced at $349. Apple notes that two HomePods can be paired to provide music in stereo.
Apple will include a six-month subscription to Apple Music with HomePod purchases. The company will continue to sell the smaller HomePod Mini at $99.
“Leveraging our audio expertise and innovations, the new HomePod delivers rich, deep bass, natural mid-range, and clear, detailed highs,” Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing, said in a statement. “With the popularity of HomePod Mini, we’ve seen growing interest in even more powerful acoustics achievable in a larger HomePod. We’re thrilled to bring the next generation of HomePod to customers around the world.”
The announcement comes just one day after Apple unveiled new MacBook Pro laptops and Mac Minis, as well as new versions of its M2 processors. The Street continues to expect the company to provide the first look at its plans for headsets for the augmented- and virtual-reality market later this year.
Write to Eric J. Savitz at eric.savitz@barrons.com
.