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When Apple’s HomePod debuted in 2018 as a $ 349 speaker that tended to stain surfaces, it wasn’t smart enough to match its audio quality or price. Software updates helped fix the first issue and the price dropped over time, but tonight TechCrunch reports Apple’s confirmation that it will shut down the original speaker.
In a statement, Apple confirmed that software updates and technical support will continue for existing units, and “it will remain available while supplies last through the Apple Online Store, Apple Stores and Authorized Resellers. Apple “. The company said it will focus its efforts on the HomePod mini, the $ 99 edition it released last fall that is better suited as a competitor to offerings from Google and Amazon.
The overall arc is similar to that of Google Home Max, which also ended its run – but is still available from Google through eBay for $ 190 – after smart speaker buyers largely refused to pay higher prices for a speaker from a tech company. As TechCrunch Note, the Space Gray edition of the HomePod is already sold out online and in select Apple stores, although Best Buy and other retailers may have more units of the speaker now at $ 300 in stock.
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