Section 1.1: Apple’s HomePod Comeback

Both Apple and industry experts have acknowledged this move…

The announcement from Apple took many by surprise, and rightly so. Dropping two separate announcements on consecutive days is quite rare for them. Yet, here we are with a fresh lineup of HomePods. At first glance, they resemble the previous models closely, and if you’re not a dedicated Apple follower, you might miss the subtle changes. The real question remains: are these changes worth the hefty $299 (350 Euro) price tag?

Section 1.2: Pricing Concerns

Apple’s latest models aren’t exactly budget-friendly. Considering that one of the main reasons the original HomePods struggled in sales was their pricing, it's puzzling why Apple believes this time will be different. Perhaps the addition of temperature and humidity sensors will enhance their appeal? You can buy a standalone sensor for around $50, and many smart-home enthusiasts already own one, making it less of a selling point—especially when HomePod minis also feature these sensors, with software updates on the horizon.

The downgraded Wi-Fi—yes, you read that correctly—isn’t exactly enticing, and while Bluetooth 5 is a nice feature, it isn’t groundbreaking. Moreover, Apple has removed two of the seven tweeters, which may or may not be significant. I won’t fault Apple too much here; they’ve demonstrated that sometimes less can indeed be more, similar to Bose's approach. I wouldn't base my purchase solely on the number of tweeters. The large high-excursion woofer is still included, so I believe the sound quality will satisfy most users. Audiophiles? Well, they were never the target market, so let’s move on.

Section 2.1: Notable Enhancements

A couple of interesting features include a larger touch interface on the top and a detachable power cable, which I wish had been available on the original HomePods. The updated S7 chip and U1 chip will likely enhance processing, although most users will probably overlook this unless they notice benefits like the handoff feature or enhanced audio formats such as Dolby Atmos or Spatial Audio. As long as the available color options—white or midnight—suit their home decor, that’s what truly matters to most consumers.

Section 2.2: The Stereo Experience

Does this entice you to buy one or perhaps a pair for stereo sound? Honestly, I think selling these is as challenging as it was for the original model. Sure, they include Matter support and some nice upgrades—after all, it’s 2023—but I sense a similar lack of direction that sometimes characterizes Apple's decisions. While they’re attractive products, a stereo pair can be difficult to justify, much like the first generation. They perform best when paired together, and unfortunately, you cannot connect different generations of HomePods. The new versions are not backward compatible, which is disappointing.

In conclusion, I can only say one thing: it’s fantastic to see them back. It’s reassuring that Apple hasn’t abandoned the quest for quality sound at home. While most updates are a welcome addition, they don’t necessarily offer the best value for your money.