Where the HomePod Stands as Apple Chases AI
Apple briefly showed a HomePod in the opener of yesterday’s event, but then offered no updates — a missed chance to reinvigorate an already beleaguered smart speaker. The HomePod has lagged behind rivals since its 2017 announcement, with cost and delayed features (and limited Siri) holding it back. The HomePod mini arrived in 2020 and the 2nd-gen HomePod added Thread support in 2023, but neither move reinvented the category.
As AI gets folded into phones and computers, the need for a dedicated smart speaker feels smaller. Industry reports suggest Apple’s major Siri overhaul may not arrive until spring 2026, and an interactive smart home hub with HomePod-like audio could be years away (reports indicate around 2027). These timelines help explain why Apple might be keeping HomePod updates on ice for now.
Links & resources
- Apple HomePod (2nd generation): https://www.apple.com/homepod-2nd-generation/
- Apple HomePod mini / Buy page: https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-homepod/homepod
- Amazon search (HomePod): https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Apple+HomePod&tag=f1rede-20
- Amazon search (HomePod mini): https://www.amazon.com/s?k=HomePod+mini&tag=f1rede-20
My take
Apple could have released a refreshed, audio-first HomePod as a stopgap—one that leaned into Apple’s ecosystem strengths—while it builds its next-gen AI assistant and hub. Instead, the HomePod is increasingly a sideline product. Major brands are shifting focus to integrated AI, and smart speakers may be folded into multipurpose devices rather than standing alone.
There’s been no official word Apple will discontinue the HomePod, but expect it to linger quietly until the company is ready to reveal the next big smart-home play. I hope I’m wrong — the HomePod deserved a chance to shine.
Join the conversation
Do you still want a standalone smart speaker, or do you prefer AI integrated into phones and other devices? Reply below — we’ll feature interesting thoughts in follow-up posts.
Note: This post summarizes recent commentary and links to official product pages. Sources include Apple’s product pages; other industry reports on Siri and future Apple smart-home plans remain unconfirmed by Apple and should be treated as tentative until officially announced.