HomePod Next HomePod

[Joan_Joan]

Will the next gen HomePod have Active Noise Cancellation?
Will it be able to cancel any external room noise for a totally silent environment? There are already products on the market but if Apple figured out how to do the ambient position detection and Hey Siri detection on full volume then why not?

 

[JBaby]

I doubt we’ll see a new HomePod anytime soon.

 

[ipedro]

Apple is running the HomePod's growth strategy more like the AppleTV, than the AppleWatch. They're building an installed base by keeping early adopters on par so that they don't lose HomePod owners. They released hardware capable of supporting their roadmap for years with software updates. The HomePod is virtually perfect from a hardware standpoint. Firmware updates have been improving it steadily at a better than annual rate and will continue to for foreseeable future. AppleTV models have lasted for years this way, and there's little reason to update the HomePod's hardware.

I do see the possibility of an extended HomePod lineup while keeping the existing HomePod at the top. Something based off the Beats Pill that can be carried from room to room, answers to Hey Siri and that fills a smaller room with great sound. I wouldn't be surprised to see that this year along with the announcement of new AirPods and headphone AirPods.

 

[gazwas]

Will the next gen HomePod have Active Noise Cancellation?

Interesting idea but not sure how many people’s home environment needs noise cancelling?

Don’t know why so many recent posts seem to want an updated HomePod as not sure hardware wise what could be improved? Sure, I’d like to see a HomePod Max and HomePod Bar and many want a cheaper version but the current HomePod needs zero hardware upgrades as its a fantastic sounding speaker.

 

[Osamede]

Apple is running the HomePod's growth strategy more like the AppleTV, than the AppleWatch. They're building an installed base by keeping early adopters on par so that they don't lose HomePod owners. They released hardware capable of supporting their roadmap for years with software updates. The HomePod is virtually perfect from a hardware standpoint. Firmware updates have been improving it steadily at a better than annual rate and will continue to for foreseeable future.

Your comment belies the fact that Apple also has a long history of subtly and not-so-subtly crippling hardware as well, when launching new generation ones. So, it's not clear what approach they will take with the Homepod. That's what's holding me back from buying one now actually...