Curious to know the new tweeters' horizontal coverage angle, considering the reduction.
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Old vs. New HomePod Buyer's Guide
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I would think as they went with S family processor it is what they have on the package for watch. And saved pennies on new wireless chip
Same price with less hardware. Roll eyes.
I would argue this is a huge downgrade for the same price. And the u1 stuff is just annoying. Anyone else use the HomePods for their Apple TV and anytime you sit near it your phone just automatically controls the TV volume, to adjust my phone volume I have to poke around the phones menu just to turn my phone down/up. Does anyone that makes this stuff use it?!
"The new HomePod cannot be stereo-paired with the original model" - I am beyond disappointed. I always wanted to get a second pair for my homePod as it is very good sound quality. So at first I was excited to pick up the new one to pair it with my old one.. But this is very disappointing. Only upside is then to hope that the used marked for the old home pods will thrive with lower prices..
Following Apple's reintroduction of the full-size HomePod, how does the new model compare to the divisive original model that the company introduced in 2017 and discontinued in 2021?
The new HomePod is priced at $299. The original model debuted at a $349 price point, before being dropped to $299 in 2019. Following a period of appreciation last year, prices for the original HomePod on sites like eBay are now falling and it may still be possible to pick up a unit at a price well below $299.
First-time HomePod customers, those considering upgrading from the original, or anyone considering adding another HomePod to their setup to create a stereo pair may be wondering whether it is worth buying an original model or the new one, so it is important to weigh up exactly what was added with the reintroduced HomePod.
See the detailed breakdown below for each new feature, change, and improvement that was added with the new HomePod compared to the original model:
New HomePod
- Refined design with acoustically transparent mesh fabric
- Larger backlit touch surface that illuminates from edge to edge, matching HomePod mini
- S7 chip from 2021's Apple Watch Series 7
- U1 ultra wideband chip
- Five horn-loaded tweeters
- Four far-field beamforming microphones
- 5.6 inches tall
- Weighs 5.16 pounds
- Removable power cable
- Wi-Fi 4 connectivity (802.11n)
- Thread support
- Temperature and humidity sensor
- Available in White and Midnight
Original HomePod
- Design with acoustically transparent mesh fabric
- Backlit touch surface
- A8 chip from 2013's iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus
- Seven horn-loaded tweeters
- Six far-field beamforming microphones
- 6.6 inches tall
- Weighs 5.5 pounds
- Wi-Fi 5 connectivity (802.11ac)
- Fixed power cable
- Available in White and Space Gray
Final Thoughts
If you already have an original HomePod, most users will not gain much by replacing it with a new model. In fact, in some senses, the new HomePod is a step back from the original, with fewer tweeters, microphones, and downgraded support for Wi-Fi 4. The original HomePod still receives software updates with new features and improvements, and the new model is unlikely to sound better owing to its scaled down audio hardware, so you may be better off waiting for your current HomePod to reach the end of its usable life before upgrading to a future HomePod model that has more to offer.
A minority of users who specifically want a better handoff experience with the U1 chip, the temperature and humidity sensor for smart home automations, Thread support, and perhaps even the new Midnight color option and tweaked aesthetic may have justifiable reasons to upgrade – but this certainly won't be the case for most existing HomePod owners.
- Original HomePod user: Don't upgrade to new HomePod unless you want specific new features
- Original HomePod user looking to create stereo pair: Get discounted original model or buy two new models
- Prospective HomePod customer: Buy new HomePod, don't buy discounted original model
The new HomePod cannot be stereo-paired with the original model, so if your intention in buying another HomePod is to create one, you will need to track down another original model. If you can afford it, it may be easier to simply replace your original HomePod with a new one and create a whole new stereo pair with two of the reintroduced models.
If you are simply looking to add a HomePod to your smart home and audio setup, it will be much better to get the new model over the original. The new model offers improved performance, a significantly better handoff experience, a more modern design, is unlikely to sound much different from the original model, and should have much better longevity.
Article Link: Old vs. New HomePod Buyer's Guide
I won’t be surprised if Apple releases it with the upgraded S9 SiP with WiFi 5 of Apple Watch Series 9.
Btw the 2nd gen HomePod sounds like a joke.
WiFi-4/802.11n is most likely a result of migrating from the Apple A8 SoC to the Apple S7 SIP, and the Apple S7 SIP was just a rebranded Apple S6 SIP, it features the same model number T8301. The WiFi chipset is integrated into the SIP package so it makes little sense for Apple to go with a dedicated WiFi chipset when adopting the Apple S6/S7 SIP as it already features WiFi-4/802.11n 2.4GHz and 5GHz integrated into the package. That would just add to the cost and increase power usage for no apparent gain. It's not like wireless streaming of music, even if you do HiFi Lossless it going to saturate WiFi-4/802.11n throughput. I'm also pretty certain Apple has made updates to both watchOS and audioOS to ensure that even when utilising WiFi-4/802.11n the WiFi firmware still supports modern security enhancements such as WPA-3 encryption etc. This was never required as a part of the WiFi-4/802.11n standard, but is something you want to have in 2023 so you don't have to still make WPA-2 encryption available just to have WiFi compatible with your Apple Watch and HomePods.
But this new HomePod sure is disappointing. As an owner of six OG HomePods, I do love their sound quality. This new model doesn't seem to offer any benefits whatsoever over the original one besides humidity and temperature sensor and support for Thread. The fact that they've decided to scale back on the number of tweeters and microphones has me somewhat sceptical about it sounding as good. My biggest problem with all of this is how it ends up being more expensive in my country compared to what I paid for any of my OG HomePods. Sure we are seeing massive inflation and whatnot, but considering the major complaint about the OG HomePod was the price it feels strange to me to have a new model that seems like a slight downgrade in many areas costing more.
My biggest fear is that Apple will drop support for the OG HomePod to force people over to the new model. Wouldn't be surprised if audioOS 17 will never be available for the OG HomePod, even though there is no technical reason for it being dropped dead in the water considering its SoC and hardware. There is nothing with the Apple S6/S7 SIP that makes it superior to the Apple A8 SoC. The transition makes perfect sense, it's not like the HomePod needs anything more than the Apple S6/S7 SIP and it doesn't make sense for Apple to continue using the Apple A8 SoC in 2023. A move to Apple A12, A13, A14 or A15 wouldn't make sense as there is no need for such performance in this device. But I'd bet they'll somehow spin this in a way claiming that the OG HomePod can't run audioOS 17 as a result of it's dating Apple A8 SoC..
But this new HomePod sure is disappointing. As an owner of six OG HomePods, I do love their sound quality. This new model doesn't seem to offer any benefits whatsoever over the original one besides humidity and temperature sensor and support for Thread. The fact that they've decided to scale back on the number of tweeters and microphones has me somewhat sceptical about it sounding as good. My biggest problem with all of this is how it ends up being more expensive in my country compared to what I paid for any of my OG HomePods. Sure we are seeing massive inflation and whatnot, but considering the major complaint about the OG HomePod was the price it feels strange to me to have a new model that seems like a slight downgrade in many areas costing more.
My biggest fear is that Apple will drop support for the OG HomePod to force people over to the new model. Wouldn't be surprised if audioOS 17 will never be available for the OG HomePod, even though there is no technical reason for it being dropped dead in the water considering its SoC and hardware. There is nothing with the Apple S6/S7 SIP that makes it superior to the Apple A8 SoC. The transition makes perfect sense, it's not like the HomePod needs anything more than the Apple S6/S7 SIP and it doesn't make sense for Apple to continue using the Apple A8 SoC in 2023. A move to Apple A12, A13, A14 or A15 wouldn't make sense as there is no need for such performance in this device. But I'd bet they'll somehow spin this in a way claiming that the OG HomePod can't run audioOS 17 as a result of it's dating Apple A8 SoC..
I bought the original HP and still going strong but I remember one of the original software updates which messed with the bass and in turn changed the sound signature which previously, imo was better.
I’ve invested in SONOS over the years instead.
I’ve invested in SONOS over the years instead.
A stereo paired HomePods is always perfect for typical bedroom setup. Less cluttered, no visible or complicated wires on setup. And I believe would still better than most high-end soundbar because of this "computational audio". If you have OLED screen, plugged into ATV 4K, it's a perfect match for a pair of HomePods pair.
I think the new chip would make up for less tweeters and mics. Still I'd wait and see for the reviews. If the sound is the same as the original, I'll buy a pair. Glad I skipped the gimped Minis.
I think the new chip would make up for less tweeters and mics. Still I'd wait and see for the reviews. If the sound is the same as the original, I'll buy a pair. Glad I skipped the gimped Minis.
It has tread though. So smart home will work better. Wifi speeds don’t need to be high for audio. It’s not playing 4K video. So smart to save price on cheaper hardware.
I've ordered one, didn't realise the downgrade in wi-fi 😳 will be paying close attention to that in the first 14 days. Apple just seem to be taking the pee, with these new products in the last year 😡
Following Apple's reintroduction of the full-size HomePod, how does the new model compare to the divisive original model that the company introduced in 2017 and discontinued in 2021?
The new HomePod is priced at $299. The original model debuted at a $349 price point, before being dropped to $299 in 2019. Following a period of appreciation last year, prices for the original HomePod on sites like eBay are now falling and it may still be possible to pick up a unit at a price well below $299.
First-time HomePod customers, those considering upgrading from the original, or anyone considering adding another HomePod to their setup to create a stereo pair may be wondering whether it is worth buying an original model or the new one, so it is important to weigh up exactly what was added with the reintroduced HomePod.
See the detailed breakdown below for each new feature, change, and improvement that was added with the new HomePod compared to the original model:
New HomePod
- Refined design with acoustically transparent mesh fabric
- Larger backlit touch surface that illuminates from edge to edge, matching HomePod mini
- S7 chip from 2021's Apple Watch Series 7
- U1 ultra wideband chip
- Five horn-loaded tweeters
- Four far-field beamforming microphones
- 5.6 inches tall
- Weighs 5.16 pounds
- Removable power cable
- Wi-Fi 4 connectivity (802.11n)
- Thread support
- Temperature and humidity sensor
- Available in White and Midnight
Original HomePod
- Design with acoustically transparent mesh fabric
- Backlit touch surface
- A8 chip from 2013's iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus
- Seven horn-loaded tweeters
- Six far-field beamforming microphones
- 6.6 inches tall
- Weighs 5.5 pounds
- Wi-Fi 5 connectivity (802.11ac)
- Fixed power cable
- Available in White and Space Gray
Final Thoughts
If you already have an original HomePod, most users will not gain much by replacing it with a new model. In fact, in some senses, the new HomePod is a step back from the original, with fewer tweeters, microphones, and downgraded support for Wi-Fi 4. The original HomePod still receives software updates with new features and improvements, and the new model is unlikely to sound better owing to its scaled down audio hardware, so you may be better off waiting for your current HomePod to reach the end of its usable life before upgrading to a future HomePod model that has more to offer.
A minority of users who specifically want a better handoff experience with the U1 chip, the temperature and humidity sensor for smart home automations, Thread support, and perhaps even the new Midnight color option and tweaked aesthetic may have justifiable reasons to upgrade – but this certainly won't be the case for most existing HomePod owners.
- Original HomePod user: Don't upgrade to new HomePod unless you want specific new features
- Original HomePod user looking to create stereo pair: Get discounted original model or buy two new models
- Prospective HomePod customer: Buy new HomePod, don't buy discounted original model
The new HomePod cannot be stereo-paired with the original model, so if your intention in buying another HomePod is to create one, you will need to track down another original model. If you can afford it, it may be easier to simply replace your original HomePod with a new one and create a whole new stereo pair with two of the reintroduced models.
If you are simply looking to add a HomePod to your smart home and audio setup, it will be much better to get the new model over the original. The new model offers improved performance, a significantly better handoff experience, a more modern design, is unlikely to sound much different from the original model, and should have much better longevity.
Article Link: Old vs. New HomePod Buyer's Guide
if the new HomePod doesn’t sound as good as the king 2018, prices aren’t gonna drop.
My original HomePods still work great; I'm interested in reading actual product reviews that compare the sound from this new HomePod to the originals.
Most important benefit from this new HomePod as far as I'm concerned - it is available! If I needed more of this type of speaker, I'd be ordering one (or more) of these right now. And I still might do that once I see what the reviews say about how it performs.
Most important benefit from this new HomePod as far as I'm concerned - it is available! If I needed more of this type of speaker, I'd be ordering one (or more) of these right now. And I still might do that once I see what the reviews say about how it performs.
I ordered one so I can judge for myself, but for me the main benefit is, just like for Phil above me, that it is available. I love my OGs so whenever something breaks now, it's not the end of the world (figuratively speaking).
It’s so adorable some people still believe 299$ from 2018 is equal 299$ nowadays
nice igloo! I miss mine but it is getting use in Costa Rica in a medical facility office!
BTM my 1 HomePod mini Blue sound replaced my Bose Soundtouch 20
and the second paired HPmini Blue sounds incredible!
Well they put less speakers and microphones into the new homepod, as well as a super small and cheap SoC. Price is pretty much where I would expect it to be. It’s a shame that they haven’t listened to the criticism regarding connectivity.
I have stereo paired original HomePods and Would point out that the hand off experience has deteriorated under IOS 16 updates, becoming so sluggish if it works at all - Is this an intentional move by apple to coax us to ‘upgrade’
lol at the downgraded wi-fi and lack of bluetooth or any other physical connection. This might be Apple's worst product, excluding the whole iPad line-up.
You could be right, but a price of $249/€249 is the limit of this thing to be recommendable, IMO. Heck, around here it costs €349
$399 in Canada. Still quite expensive. I doubt it will sell any better up here than the first gen. I don’t know anyone who has one.
It should be obvious that there will be an upgrade in sound quality for the new HomePod. Apple has achieved clear sound quality improvements in both the AirPod and AirPod Pro range with the latest versions of the hardware.