The HomePod is Apple’s attempt to create a smart home speaker, and it certainly lives up to the brand’s standards by offering a sleek speaker system that arguably prioritizes audio performance over his intelligent abilities.
However, as we have seen over time, the updates that Apple rolls out allow it to improve its functionality and get the most out of Siri. Now that Apple has released the HomePod mini, here’s what to expect from the next generation.
Is Apple working on a HomePod 2?
There aren’t many rumors at the moment, but that doesn’t stop us from predicting that Apple surely has in mind to evolve its first generation to continue competing with Amazon and Google for smart home speakers. .
When will HomePod 2 be released?
While Apple tends to update its core product lines (Watch, iPhone, iPad, and Mac) every year, the same can’t be said for its collection of audio devices.
The AirPods, AirPods Pro, and HomePod have an entirely different update schedule, with Apple waiting three years between launching the first and second generation AirPods, and with HomePods as the first generation product.
This is further complicated by the presentation of the HomePod mini of 99 $ that Apple made during the event last October 2021, which brings a cheaper, but still smart speaker, in order to bring it closer to all the masses.
It’s based on its big brother’s design with a more rounded shape, and at a bit more height (3 inches tall) it certainly lives up to the Mini moniker. It’s not the HomePod 2, but it’s a new product that Apple will be paying special attention to.
At this point, it looks like a 2021 or even 2022 launch could be on the mind. Apple is rumored to have revealed the AirPods Studio at an event in April, possibly alongside other updated AirPods.
This could be a good opportunity for Apple to update its high-end smart speaker. However, the proximity of the arrival of the Home mini, makes us think that it will not arrive before the end of 2021 or even already in 2022. We will update this section as we hear more. information.
How much could the HomePod 2 cost?
The HomePod originally cost $ 369 when it launched, and many have criticized it for its hefty price tag. Over time, Apple has permanently lowered the price of HomePod so far it stands at $ 329.
That’s a much more palatable price for a smart speaker and more in line with the wide range of models available from its competitors Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
It’s also encouraging to see that the HomePod Mini is priced below triple digits, so it’s still expensive compared to Amazon’s Echo Dot, but it shows Apple is willing to compromise on its HomePod pricing. .
That said, we’re hoping the HomePod 2 will be even cheaper and its price will stay or even be able to reach $ 299.
What’s new with the new HomePod?
It’s a bit harder to predict, especially given the lack of rumors and information leaks to date.
The HomePod Mini is essentially a smaller, rounder version of the HomePod with the same general material and design language, and as such, we can’t really see Apple completely redesigning the second-gen HomePod.
It would just seem out of place next to the original and the Mini, and if Apple really wants the HomePod to be a staple and heart of the smart home, it’s going to want to encourage as many use as possible.
Plus, there aren’t any real complaints about the HomePod’s design. It may be a bit heavy at 2.5kg, but the seamless mesh fabric and backlit touchpad are stylish and won’t look out of place no matter where you put it.
What features will the new HomePod offer?
At the heart of HomePod, you’ll find the now aged A8 chipset. For reference, this is the same chipset as the iPhone 6 released in 2015.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as the A8 is clearly more than capable of handling the current set of smart features that Apple’s smart speaker offers, but we think it should boost power. treatment.
It is difficult to predict the technological novelties that it could implement, since a smart speaker does not need the same ones as an iPhone, but if Apple wants to apply the same artificial intelligence technology as its iPhones and iPads, it will have to be an A12. Bionic.
Along with an updated chipset, there’s likely Apple’s U1 chipset, which allows ultra-wideband (UWB) functionality for connectivity. Apple has gradually integrated the U1 into its product line.
It’s a chip that we can now see in the iPhone and the latest Apple Watch, and it’s said to be coming to the next Apple TV and also Apple’s AirTags. The technology facilitates communication between different Apple devices, creating an ecosystem.
The problem, to call it something, with the HomePod is that new features and functionality are often removed by the OTA update, eliminating the need for a hardware update to introduce new things.
Since the HomePod’s initial launch, the device has gained new features including support for AirPlay 2, Apple Intercom, and even the ability to recognize up to six different family members with their respective voices.
As revealed last year, Apple plans to expand music streaming support to include Pandora and Amazon Music in the coming months, and we can only hope more will be added in the future.
There aren’t any solid leaks or rumors of what to expect from the HomePod 2, it’s true, but that doesn’t mean the company’s engineering team isn’t working hard on a high. -Second generation in-camera speaker at Apple Park.
We will update this article as more rumors emerge, or who knows, when Apple surprises us in one of its presentations, which have been numerous this year.
In the meantime, check out our article on how to use HomePod to get the most out of your Apple smart speaker.
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