Apple is discontinuing the original HomePod to focus on the HomePod mini.
You can still get software updates, service, and support for the HomePod. But Apple won't be producing any updated models.
Even with the news, the HomePod is still available to purchase through many outlets. And you may wonder if it's still a worthwhile purchase.
Let's take another look at the original HomePod to find out.
HomePod Benefits
There are a number of advantages of the HomePod when comparing it to the smaller HomePod mini.
Sound Quality
The original HomePod provides great sound quality. A powerful subwoofer lets it produce heavy bass, and it has seven speakers arranged in a ring. These handle the higher notes. This setup allows the HomePod to broadcast sound in any direction. The newer HomePod minis simply don't have enough room for this kind of sound quality.
The HomePod can also detect when it is near a wall or other sound-blocking item. In these cases, it adjusts the direction of the sound to compensate. This makes for a much better sound balance.
If superior sound quality is important to you, the HomePod may still be for you.
Apple Ecosystem Integration
Another great reason to purchase a HomePod is how you can easily control compatible smart home devices with just your voice. While you can control HomeKit devices like lights, locks, and other sensors with a Siri command to your iPhone and iPad, it's even easier when you have a HomePod. A HomePod can also act as a HomeKit hub so you can control devices when you're away from home.
That's also something you can do with the HomePod mini. However, only the original HomePod can connect to your Apple TV. This gives you that room-filling, high-quality sound in a home theater system. The HomePod mini can't connect to the Apple TV, and can't produce that theater-level volume and quality.
Apple TV compatibility for the HomePod mini might come in a future update. For third-party smart speakers, it's unlikely they will ever work as seamlessly with your Apple TV or other Apple products.
HomePod Downsides
The HomePod isn't a perfect device. There are a number of downsides that might turn you away from a purchase.
High Price
The HomePod failed to make a big splash. That was partly because it was late to the smart speaker party, but also because of the high price point. For the cost of one HomePod, you can purchase three HomePod minis.
At $299, the HomePod really feels like it should be a lot more than a smart speaker. The mini feels more reasonable, even considering the drop in sound quality. If you need a budget speaker, the HomePod's price tag might be too high for a discontinued product, even if you buy used.
If you don't care that much about fitting the speaker into your Apple ecosystem, you could even consider getting an Amazon Echo or Google Nest instead.
Larger Size
The size of the HomePod makes room for the woofer and multiple speakers, but it still makes the device bulky. It can't be easily moved around your house, and it can be hard to find a perfect place to fit it.
If you already have space where a smart speaker would work, this isn't an issue. But if you want to move it around, or you're short on space, it might be tough to fit.
Should You Still Buy a HomePod?
Great sound quality that integrates with your Apple products is the best reason to grab an original HomePod. The smaller HomePod mini can never recreate that kind of rumbly, room-filling sound. Other smart speakers like the Amazon Echo or Google Nest Audio can compete more closely with the HomePod, but those models won't interact as well with the Apple ecosystem.
If you're mostly considering a HomePod for a Siri smart speaker and the ability to control smart home devices with your voice, you should probably get a pair of HomePod minis instead.
They can be used as a stereo pair, and more features will likely arrive in the future with software updates. The smaller speaker is also a much better value for the price. Another great advantage of the mini is Thread support, which has the potential to make a smart home even better.
Image Credit: Ergo/Flickr