HomePod
The HomePod is a line of wireless smart speakers developed by Apple Inc., designed primarily for high-fidelity audio playback, seamless integration with the Siri voice assistant, and control of compatible smart home devices through the HomeKit ecosystem.[1] These speakers emphasize computational audio technologies to adapt sound to room acoustics, support multiroom audio via AirPlay 2, and prioritize user privacy with on-device processing for many Siri interactions.[2] Launched as part of Apple's ecosystem for music streaming via Apple Music and podcasts, the HomePod family combines premium audio hardware with intelligent features to enhance home entertainment and automation.[3] The original HomePod (1st generation) was announced on June 5, 2017, as a breakthrough speaker reinventing home music experiences with beamforming technology and access to the Apple Music library.[2] It features a high-excursion woofer paired with an array of seven horn-loaded tweeters, each with custom amplifiers, and a six-microphone array for far-field Siri voice recognition, enabling hands-free queries and commands from across the room.[4] Measuring 6.8 inches in height and weighing 5.5 pounds, it supports stereo pairing for immersive listening and includes touch controls for playback and volume adjustment, though it requires an iOS device for initial setup and operates exclusively on Wi-Fi (802.11ac) with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.[4] Priced at $349 upon release, the device was delayed from its planned December 2017 launch and began shipping on February 9, 2018, initially in white and space gray finishes.[5] In October 2020, Apple introduced the more affordable HomePod mini, a compact alternative measuring just 3.3 inches tall and weighing 0.76 pounds, yet capable of delivering 360-degree room-filling sound through a full-range driver and dual passive radiators.[3] It incorporates a four-microphone array for Siri, temperature and humidity sensors for enhanced smart home automation, and Thread networking for reliable HomeKit device control, alongside Wi-Fi (802.11n) and Bluetooth 5.0.[6] Available in multiple colors including white, blue, orange, yellow, and a midnight variant added in July 2024, the mini supports features like sound recognition for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and intercom functionality for household communication.[7] Retailing for $99, it expands the HomePod's accessibility while maintaining privacy-focused design elements, such as end-to-end encryption for audio streams.[6] The HomePod (2nd generation), unveiled in January 2023 and released the following month, builds on the original with upgraded acoustics, including a 4-inch woofer, five horn-loaded tweeters, and support for Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos for a more immersive experience.[8] At 6.6 inches tall and 5.16 pounds, it adds an Ultra Wideband chip for precise device locating via the Find My network, Thread support for Matter-compatible smart home standards, and built-in sensors for temperature, humidity, and sound detection.[9] Siri enhancements allow proactive alerts, such as notifying users of detected alarms, and the speaker serves as a robust home hub when paired with an Apple TV or iPad, enabling automation across Thread and Wi-Fi networks.[9] Offered in midnight and white, this model underscores Apple's commitment to sustainability, incorporating 100% recycled rare earth elements and assembly using 100% renewable energy.[9]History
Announcement and development
The HomePod was first announced on June 5, 2017, during Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynote, where it was presented as a premium wireless speaker engineered for high-fidelity audio playback and seamless integration with the Siri voice assistant.[2] The device was described by Apple senior vice president of worldwide marketing Phil Schiller as a breakthrough that would "reinvent how we enjoy music wirelessly throughout our homes," positioning it as the company's entry into the burgeoning smart speaker market dominated by competitors like the Amazon Echo and Google Home.[2] This announcement highlighted the HomePod's focus on delivering room-filling sound from a compact, unobtrusive form factor, with no visible drivers to maintain aesthetic simplicity.[2] Development of the HomePod traced its origins to Apple's internal audio engineering initiatives, which gained significant momentum following the 2014 acquisition of Beats Electronics for $3 billion, incorporating expertise in high-quality consumer audio hardware and music services.[10] The project began around 2012 as a side effort led by a small team of Mac audio engineers within Apple's expansive audio labs in Cupertino, aiming to create a loudspeaker capable of exceptional sound quality adapted to any room environment.[11] This acquisition not only expanded Apple's audio talent pool but also aligned with the goal of producing innovative speakers that emphasized immersive, distortion-free audio without compromising on design elegance.[12] Early prototypes underwent extensive iterations to refine the acoustic performance and form factor, including a three-foot-tall model equipped with dozens of speakers for omnidirectional sound dispersion and a flat-panel design featuring a front mesh screen.[13] These experiments, tested in specialized anechoic chambers within Apple's facilities, shifted toward a more production-ready cylindrical enclosure that concealed internal components, prioritizing both portability and visual integration into home settings.[11] A core aspect of the hardware development was a strong emphasis on privacy, with on-device processing for Siri interactions designed to prevent audio data from being transmitted to servers until explicitly triggered, ensuring user conversations remained secure.[14] Leading the effort were key figures from Apple's hardware and audio teams, including Vice President of Hardware Engineering Kate Bergeron, who oversaw the integration of advanced beamforming technology, and Senior Director of Audio Design & Engineering Gary Geaves, who directed the labs' work on achieving audiophile-grade output from a wireless device.[11] The project, nearly canceled at one point, was revived under the guidance of senior leadership to fulfill Apple's vision of a smart speaker that combined superior acoustics with intelligent assistance, setting it apart in a market focused primarily on convenience over audio excellence.[13]Release timeline
The original HomePod was announced on June 5, 2017, during Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, with an initial availability planned for December 2017 in select markets including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.[2] Due to production delays, pre-orders commenced on January 26, 2018, and the device launched fully on February 9, 2018, initially in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.[5] International expansion followed throughout 2018, with availability extending to additional countries such as Canada, France, and Germany starting June 18.[15] Apple introduced the HomePod mini on October 13, 2020, as a more affordable compact smart speaker available in white and space gray.[3] It launched on November 16, 2020, in multiple regions including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and India, with subsequent color expansions to orange, yellow, blue, and midnight in later years.[3] On March 12, 2021, Apple discontinued the first-generation HomePod, with the change effective immediately and remaining inventory available while supplies lasted.[16] The second-generation HomePod, initially referred to as HomePod 2, was announced on January 18, 2023, and became available for shipping on February 3, 2023, in the United States and select other markets, with broader international availability following shortly thereafter.[8] In 2025, reports anticipated a launch of a second-generation HomePod mini around November, featuring an updated chip for improved performance, but as of November 2025, it has been delayed to early 2026.[17][18] Unconfirmed rumors from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that a new HomePod variant with an integrated screen would enter mass production during the third quarter of 2025, with a potential launch later in the year; as of November 2025, no such device has been announced.[19][20]First-generation HomePod
Design
The first-generation HomePod features a cylindrical form factor with a height of 6.8 inches (172 mm) and a diameter of 5.6 inches (142 mm), weighing 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg).[4] It is encased in an acoustically transparent mesh fabric that covers the speaker array, allowing sound to pass through while protecting the internals. The top includes a touch-sensitive surface for controls, displaying a subtle LED light ring that pulses white when Siri is activated.[4] Available in white or space gray finishes, the design emphasizes stability with a flat base and integration into home environments, though it requires careful placement to avoid surface marking from the rubber base.[2] Touch interactions include tapping to play/pause, double-tapping to skip tracks, and rotating or using +/- icons for volume adjustment, with a long press to invoke Siri.[4] The device connects via a detachable power cord to a 20W power adapter and operates on Wi-Fi without a visible Ethernet port. Initial setup requires an iOS device, and it is compatible with wall mounts from third-party accessories.[4]Features
The first-generation HomePod is powered by an Apple A8 chip, enabling computational audio processing for real-time room tuning and beamforming to direct sound toward the listener. It integrates Siri for hands-free voice commands, supporting music playback from Apple Music (e.g., "Hey Siri, play jazz classics"), timers, queries, and smart home control via HomeKit for compatible accessories like lights and thermostats.[2] The six-microphone array provides far-field voice recognition, effective up to 20 feet away, even over music playback.[4] Audio features include support for multiroom playback and stereo pairing with another HomePod for left/right channel separation, enabled by AirPlay 2 in a 2018 software update.[4] It lacks native support for third-party music services like Spotify at launch, requiring AirPlay from an iOS device. As a HomeKit hub, it enables remote automation when away from home. Privacy focuses on on-device Siri processing, with audio not stored on servers unless requested, and users can delete interaction history via iOS settings.[4] Accessibility options include VoiceOver for audio feedback on controls and adjustable touch sensitivity.[21]Technical specifications
The first-generation HomePod combines premium audio hardware with wireless connectivity, optimized for high-fidelity playback in home settings. It uses computational audio to adapt to room acoustics and supports Siri interactions without cloud dependency for basic functions.[4]| Category | Specification | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A8 chip | Manages audio beamforming, Siri processing, and room calibration. |
| Audio | High-excursion woofer with custom amplifier; seven horn-loaded tweeters, each with amplifier; low-frequency calibration microphone | Delivers full-range sound with direct/ambient beamforming; supports multiroom audio via AirPlay 2 and stereo pairing.[4] |
| Microphones | Six-microphone array | Far-field Siri voice recognition.[4] |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (802.11ac compatible with MIMO); Bluetooth 5.0 | Wireless audio streaming; requires iOS device for setup. No Thread or UWB.[4] |
| Power | Built-in power supply (100–240V AC, 50–60 Hz input) | Operating temperature: 32°–95°F (0°–35°C); relative humidity: 5%–90% noncondensing.[4] |
| Dimensions and Weight | Height: 6.8 inches (172 mm); Diameter: 5.6 inches (142 mm); Weight: 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) | Colors: White, space gray.[4] |
Reception
The first-generation HomePod, released in February 2018, received praise for its exceptional audio quality but mixed reviews overall due to its high price and ecosystem limitations. RTINGS.com rated it 9.4/10 for sound, noting its neutral profile, loud output, and immersive stereo capability when paired, outperforming many competitors in fidelity.[22] Consumer Reports gave it a "Very Good" sound rating, ahead of early smart speakers like the Amazon Echo, though it lagged in versatility.[23] TechCrunch called it "the best sounding mainstream smart speaker ever" for separation and bass.[24] Critics highlighted drawbacks: The Verge scored it 7/10, criticizing Siri's narrow capabilities, lack of native Spotify support, and Apple-only ecosystem, making it "locked in."[25] AppleVis noted great sound but limited Siri and uselessness for Android users.[26] Audio Science Review measured strong performance but pointed to distortion at high volumes.[27] Sales were modest; Strategy Analytics estimated 600,000 units in Q1 2018, capturing 6% market share and ranking fourth behind Amazon, Google, and Xiaomi.[28] Cumulative U.S. sales reached about 3 million by mid-2018 per CIRP, with global estimates of 1–3 million through August 2018, impacted by the delayed launch.[29]Marketing and sales
The first-generation HomePod launched at $349 in the U.S., marketed as a premium audio device integrated with Apple Music, including a three-month free trial for new subscribers.[5] Announced at WWDC on June 5, 2017, it emphasized beamforming, high-fidelity sound, and Siri for music and home control.[2] Marketing included the "Welcome Home" ad directed by Spike Jonze in March 2018, featuring surreal visuals and Anderson .Paak's "'Til It's Over," alongside short animated spots like "Bass," "Beat," "Distortion," and "Equalizer" highlighting audio effects.[30] Pre-orders began January 26, 2018, with shipping February 9 in the U.S., U.K., and Australia, expanding to retailers like Best Buy.[5] Sales totaled around 600,000 units in Q1 2018, per Strategy Analytics, with annual figures impacted by the delay from December 2017.[31] By 2019, estimates suggested 5 million units sold globally, per CIRP and Strategy Analytics, though it trailed cheaper rivals.[32]Discontinuation
Apple discontinued the first-generation HomePod on March 12, 2021, redirecting focus to the HomePod mini amid its stronger reception and lower $99 price point compared to the original's $349.[16] A spokesperson stated, "We are focusing our efforts on HomePod mini. We are discontinuing the original HomePod, it will continue to be available while supplies last."[33] Inventory sold out in the U.S. and Canada by July 14, 2021.[34] Apple committed to ongoing software updates for existing units, maintaining Siri, Apple Music, Intercom (added post-launch), and HomeKit functionality as of November 2025.[16] Recycling options were offered without trade-in value. The second-generation HomePod, released in 2023, succeeded it as the full-size model.[35]Second-generation HomePod
Design
The second-generation HomePod features a cylindrical form factor similar to the original model, with a height of 6.6 inches (168 mm) and a diameter of 5.6 inches (142 mm), weighing 5.16 pounds (2.3 kg).[9] Its exterior is covered in a seamless, acoustically transparent mesh fabric—midnight uses 100% recycled plastic, while white incorporates nearly 30% recycled plastic—designed for integration into home environments.[9] The top includes a touch-sensitive surface with capacitive controls for playback, volume adjustment, and Siri activation, along with a spinning LED light ring for visual feedback during setup, listening, or updates.[9] Available in midnight and white finishes, the design emphasizes sustainability, with 100% recycled rare earth elements in the magnets and assembly using 100% renewable energy.[9] It includes a detachable power cord and supports stable placement on flat surfaces, with compatibility for third-party stands or mounts.Features
Powered by the Apple S7 chip, the second-generation HomePod delivers computational audio that adapts to room acoustics in real time, supporting Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos for immersive, directional sound.[9] It integrates Siri for hands-free voice control, enabling music playback from Apple Music, smart home automation via HomeKit and Matter, weather updates, reminders, and device location using the Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip with the Find My network.[8] Built-in sensors detect temperature, humidity, and sound (including smoke and carbon monoxide alarms), allowing proactive notifications and automations, such as adjusting thermostats or alerting users to hazards.[9] As a home hub when paired with an Apple TV 4K or iPad, it manages Thread and Wi-Fi accessories remotely through the Home app.[8] Multiroom audio via AirPlay 2 enables synchronized playback across HomePods and compatible devices, with stereo pairing for two units to create left-right channels.[9] Privacy features include on-device Siri processing, end-to-end encryption for audio, and user controls to delete voice history. Accessibility options encompass VoiceOver screen reader support, haptic feedback, and adjustable touch sensitivity.[9]Technical specifications
The second-generation HomePod combines high-fidelity audio hardware with advanced processing for adaptive sound and smart features, optimized for Wi-Fi connectivity and smart home integration.[9]| Category | Specification | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple S7 chip | 64-bit dual-core for computational audio, room sensing, and Siri processing.[9] |
| Audio | 4-inch high-excursion woofer; array of five horn-loaded tweeters with neodymium magnets; internal low-frequency calibration microphone | Delivers full-range sound with deep bass and Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos; acoustically transparent mesh.[9] |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11n; Bluetooth 5.0; Thread; Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip | Enables AirPlay 2 multiroom audio, stereo pairing, and Precision Finding.[9] |
| Sensors | Temperature and humidity sensors; accelerometer; far-field microphone array | Supports environmental monitoring, sound recognition, and voice commands.[9] |
| Power | 100–240V AC, 50–60Hz | Operating temperature: 32°–95°F (0°–35°C); operating humidity: 5%–90% noncondensing.[9] |
| Dimensions and Weight | Height: 6.6 inches (168 mm); Diameter: 5.6 inches (142 mm); Weight: 5.16 lb (2.3 kg) | Colors: midnight and white; requires iOS 16 or later for setup.[9] |
Reception
The second-generation HomePod, released in February 2023, received generally positive reviews for its improved audio quality and smart features compared to the original model. CNET rated it 8/10, praising the richer bass, clearer vocals, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration, though noting Siri's limitations in third-party support.[36] PCMag awarded 4/5 stars, highlighting the device's bass depth, Spatial Audio performance, and value at $299, but criticizing the lack of Bluetooth audio input.[37] The Verge gave it 7/10, commending the sound refinement and privacy focus but pointing out the high price and ecosystem lock-in as drawbacks for non-Apple users.[38] Wired noted enhancements in processing power and sustainability but echoed concerns over Siri's unreliability for complex tasks.[39] Reviewers appreciated the temperature and humidity sensors for HomeKit automations and the UWB-enabled Find My integration. As of 2025, software updates have added features like enhanced sound recognition and Matter support improvements. Specific sales figures for the model are not publicly detailed, but overall HomePod shipments contributed to Apple's growing share in the premium smart speaker market, with total units exceeding 13 million in 2023 across the lineup.[40]Marketing
Apple unveiled the second-generation HomePod during a January 18, 2023, press event, positioning it as a premium smart speaker with "breakthrough sound and intelligence" through features like Spatial Audio, environmental sensors, and Thread/Matter compatibility.[8] Promotional materials, including the "Introducing HomePod" video, demonstrated room-filling audio and smart home interactions.[8] Priced at $299, it was marketed as more accessible than the original's $349 launch price, with offers like six months of free Apple Music for new subscribers and trade-in credits.[8] Availability began February 3, 2023, in over 20 countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, and the United Kingdom, initially through Apple.com, the Apple Store app, and physical stores, later expanding to retailers.[8] Holiday campaigns in 2023 and 2024 featured discounts up to $50 at partners like Best Buy, emphasizing its role as a sustainable home hub. As of November 2025, it remains a core product in Apple's smart home lineup, with ongoing promotions tied to Apple Music bundles.[41]HomePod mini
Design
The HomePod mini features a compact spherical form factor designed for easy placement in various home environments. Measuring 3.3 inches (84.3 mm) in height and 3.9 inches (97.9 mm) in diameter, it weighs just 0.76 pounds (345 grams), making it highly portable and space-efficient.[6] The device's spherical shape supports 360-degree audio dispersion, allowing sound to fill a room evenly from any angle.[42] The exterior combines an acoustically transparent fabric mesh covering the main body with a smooth touch-sensitive surface on top, constructed from durable plastic materials.[6] Available in five vibrant colors—white, yellow, orange, blue, and midnight—this design emphasizes aesthetic versatility and integration into modern decor.[42] At the base, a flat, stable footing ensures secure placement on surfaces without tipping, while the top includes a ring of LEDs that provide visual feedback through colored lights, such as a spinning white ring during setup or software updates.[43] Touch controls on the top surface allow intuitive interaction: tapping to play or pause, double-tapping to skip tracks, and using plus/minus icons or gestures for volume adjustment, with a long press activating Siri.[44] Included accessories feature a fixed USB-C power cord connected to a 20W adapter, facilitating cable management, and the device's design is compatible with third-party wall-mount kits for elevated installation options.[6][45]Features
The HomePod mini serves as a compact smart speaker powered by the Apple S5 chip, enabling efficient on-device processing for voice interactions and smart home control. It integrates Siri as its primary intelligent assistant, allowing users to play music from Apple Music or supported third-party services by specifying songs, artists, albums, playlists, genres, or even lyrics—for instance, saying "Hey Siri, play some upbeat pop"—as well as setting timers, answering general queries like unit conversions or directions, and locating lost devices.[42] This functionality is tailored for everyday use in smaller spaces, providing quick responses without the need for a full-sized speaker. For enhanced audio experiences, the HomePod mini supports multi-room audio, where multiple units can synchronize to play the same song throughout the home or different content in individual rooms, extending seamless playback across compatible Apple devices. It also facilitates audio sharing by pairing two HomePod minis to create a stereo setup, assigning left and right channels for a more immersive soundstage suitable for budget-conscious users seeking expanded listening options. Additionally, an intercom feature enables household announcements, such as broadcasting "Hey Siri, tell everyone dinner is ready" to all rooms or specific locations via connected HomePods.[42] As a HomeKit hub—fully supported starting with iOS 14 and later—the HomePod mini allows remote control of compatible smart home accessories through the Home app, including Matter-enabled devices, making it a versatile hub for smaller setups without requiring additional hardware. A 2023 software update introduced temperature and humidity sensing, enabling the device to monitor indoor climate and integrate this data into HomeKit automations, such as adjusting thermostats based on room conditions.[46][47] Privacy is prioritized through local processing of Siri requests on the device, ensuring audio recordings are not sent to Apple servers unless explicitly shared, and data is associated with randomized identifiers rather than user accounts. Users can further manage privacy by deleting their Siri history directly from the Home app settings. Accessibility features include VoiceOver for audio descriptions of touch controls and haptic feedback via the touch surface for tactile confirmation of interactions, alongside Touch Accommodations to adjust response sensitivity for users with motor challenges.[14][48][49]Technical specifications
The HomePod mini is engineered for compact performance, integrating advanced hardware into a small form factor to deliver immersive audio while maintaining efficient power usage and seamless connectivity. Its design emphasizes 360-degree sound dispersion and computational audio processing, powered by a dedicated chip for real-time tuning. Key specifications highlight its balance of audio fidelity, sensor integration, and wireless capabilities, optimized for home environments.[6][3]| Category | Specification | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple S5 chip | Handles computational audio for real-time equalization and stereo processing.[3] |
| Audio | Full-range driver with dual passive radiators; custom acoustic waveguide | Produces 360-degree sound with deep bass and crisp highs; acoustically transparent mesh fabric.[6] |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11n; Bluetooth 5.0; Thread; Ultra Wideband (U1) chip | Supports wireless streaming, multiroom audio, and UWB Handoff with compatible iPhones.[6][50] |
| Sensors | Four-microphone array; temperature and humidity sensors | Enables far-field voice recognition and environmental monitoring.[6] |
| Power | 20W power adapter (100–240V AC, 50–60Hz) | Operating temperature: 32°–95°F (0°–35°C); humidity: 5%–90% noncondensing.[6] |
| Dimensions and Weight | Height: 3.3 inches (84.3 mm); Diameter: 3.9 inches (97.9 mm); Weight: 0.76 lb (345 g) | Available in white, yellow, orange, blue, and midnight colors, emphasizing portability.[6] |