The Future of HomePod: What to Expect from Apple’s Audio Lineup
Written on
Chapter 1: Apple's Audio Legacy and HomePod's Evolution
Apple has long been recognized for its audio innovation, but its home speaker offerings have somewhat dwindled in recent years. However, changes are on the horizon for the HomePod lineup.
I sometimes wonder if my preferences are unusual. I've never had issues with the butterfly keyboard, I appreciated the Touch Bar, and I find the sound of the HomePod mini quite enjoyable. As a representative of Apple, these opinions might seem strange to some, but they are genuinely how I feel! I’m not saying Apple is flawless—issues like the auto-switching feature on AirPods Pro can be incredibly frustrating, and don’t even get me started on the Magic Mouse’s charging port. Overall, though, I find myself enjoying the products they create.
Chapter 2: A Personal Journey with Home Audio
My journey into Apple’s home audio world began earlier this year when my daughter decided I needed more speakers. I received my first HomePod mini as a Christmas gift.
After experimenting with different locations for a couple of months, I finally settled on placing it under the TV along with another mini. Both devices are connected to my Apple TV 4K, providing an outstanding stereo sound experience. Prior to this, I had been using a Sony soundbar, but switching to HomePods has truly been a delightful transformation.
While the Sony soundbar has a separate bass unit, nothing beats the stereo effect created by two well-positioned speakers. Though some critics argue against the sound quality of the HomePod mini, I stand by their performance. They may struggle with lower frequencies due to their size, but the mids and highs are quite pleasant, delivering clear vocals without harshness.
Section 2.1: The Original HomePod’s Legacy
The original HomePod was released in February 2018 and remained available until March 2021. Despite its initial $350 price tag, it garnered acclaim for its exceptional audio quality.
Even today, the demand for the original HomePod remains strong, with prices on platforms like eBay reaching between $450 and $550 for new, unopened units. This sustained interest seems to have spurred Apple into action, as they explore four new speaker designs.
Section 2.2: The Future of Smart Home Integration
The Home app is becoming increasingly essential for smart home users. Previously, an iPad could serve as a hub, but Apple is now favoring dedicated devices like Apple TV and HomePods to centralize home automation.
In exciting developments, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple is considering a kitchen speaker that would integrate an iPad, a speaker, and possibly a robotic arm. This device could assist with recipe displays and enhance FaceTime calls while cooking.
Moreover, Apple is rumored to be developing a home entertainment system that combines a HomePod speaker with Apple TV and a camera. While the design remains unclear, the concept is certainly appealing.
Chapter 3: Upcoming Releases and Innovations
As Apple prepares for late 2023 or early 2024 releases, two notable products are on the horizon: an upgraded HomePod mini and a new full-sized HomePod.
It's uncertain what enhancements the HomePod mini will see if it retains its current design, but improved Bluetooth connectivity with the new 5.2 codec is likely. This upgrade could unlock Lossless Audio capabilities for both the HomePod and AirPods.
The new HomePod, codenamed B620, is currently under development and expected to feature the S8 chip from the Apple Watch. While cosmetic changes may be minimal, there’s no pressing need to alter the already impressive sound quality.
Section 3.1: My Smart Home Aspirations
While I’m not yet fully immersed in the smart home experience, integrating HomePods into my setup feels like a positive step. I plan to purchase additional devices not solely for smart home functionality, but because they enhance my audio experience at home.
I had considered acquiring a third HomePod for the kitchen, but it may be prudent to wait for upcoming announcements. This fall, we will learn more about the future of Apple Audio, and if a new HomePod is part of that, I’ll be eager to be among the first in line.
This video explores the original HomePod's performance five years later and discusses whether it’s still a worthwhile investment in 2023.
This video highlights the benefits of purchasing the new HomePod in 2023, showcasing its features and improvements.
Getting Involved
If you enjoy reading my articles and want to keep up with my latest posts, consider joining Medium! A simple click can ensure you receive my blogs as soon as they’re published, along with email notifications.
Additionally, I offer a weekly video newsletter—just sign up to receive updates every Sunday. Lastly, I maintain my Mac’s performance with CleanMyMac, my trusted tool for keeping my device in top shape (affiliate link).