Apple is Discontinuing the Original HomePod

After a three year run, Apple has decided to discontinue its original HomePod.

Originally launched back in 2018, the smart speaker took the tech giant five years to design and develop. In fact, Apple even built a whole new development center just for this project near its headquarters in Cupertino, fully equipped with more than a dozen anechoic chambers. While the HomePod offered users great sound quality and smart access to some of the company’s more popular features such as AirPlay and Siri, its $350 USD price tag eventually became its downfall when Apple introduced the HomePod Mini, a much more compact version of its predecessor with even more features, and most importantly only retailed at $100 USD. In light of this waning popularity, the company has now ultimately decided to discontinue the smart speaker.

“HomePod mini has been a hit since its debut last fall, offering customers amazing sound, an intelligent assistant, and smart home control all for just $99,” said a statement from Apple to Tech Crunch. “We are focusing our efforts on HomePod mini. We are discontinuing the original HomePod, it will continue to be available while supplies last through the Apple Online Store, Apple Retail Stores, and Apple Authorized Resellers. Apple will provide HomePod customers with software updates and service and support through Apple Care.”

Elsewhere in the tech world, Braun’s BC21 digital alarm clock doubles as a wireless charger.