The 2023 Second-Generation HomePod
Contents
- The 2023 Second-Generation HomePod
- How to Buy
- Reviews
- Design
- Supported Touch Gestures
- Spatial Audio
- Temperature and Humidity
- Sound Recognition
- Accelerometer
- WiFi and Bluetooth
- HomePod Basics
- Controlling Audio Functions
- Using Other HomePod Features
Apple in January 2023 introduced a second-generation HomePod, with the speaker coming approximately two years after the original HomePod was discontinued. The second-generation HomePod looks similar to the original and has the same $299 price tag, but it includes new features that make it a more worthwhile purchase.
Available in white and midnight color options, the HomePod features a compact, round design and it is covered in a 3D mesh fabric selected for its acoustic properties. Compared to the original HomePod, the second-generation model is the same width, but just a bit shorter (0.2 inches).
There is an interactive touch screen at the top of the HomePod that supports music playback gestures and lets you know when Siri has been activated and is listening to a command. Siri does not actively monitor what's being said in the room until the magic words are spoken, and all communication between Siri and Apple's servers is anonymous and encrypted.
Sound quality is Apple's main focus with the larger HomePod, though it also serves as a home hub for HomeKit and Matter. It includes a five-tweeter array with each tweeter outfitted with its own driver, and an Apple-designed 4-inch high-excursion woofer for crisp, clear, distortion free sound even at loud volumes. It has fewer tweeters than the prior-generation model, and there is a four-microphone design for use with Siri, two fewer microphones than before.
An S7 chip first used in the Apple Watch Series 7 powers the HomePod, and it uses spatial awareness, room sensing and advanced computational audio to adjust the music in real time for the environment it is in. The HomePod supports Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos for music and video, for sound that seems to come from all around you.
Apple says that the HomePod is able to offer rich, deep bass and stunning high frequencies, with directional control enabled through the tweeters.
The HomePod integrates with Apple Music and features built-in Siri support, but it is also compatible with third-party music services that have added HomePod support. Two HomePods can be paired together for stereo support, but the second-generation HomePod cannot be paired with the original model in this way. HomePod also works with the Apple TV 4K and can be used as an Apple TV speaker system and its connected peripherals using eARC.
With HomeKit and AirPlay 2 integration, the HomePod can be accessed in the Home app and paired with other AirPlay 2 speakers for multiroom audio. HomePod does not work as a standard Bluetooth speaker so while it can be used standalone as it is a smart speaker, it cannot be used with non-Apple devices for playing content over Bluetooth.
The HomePod works with all prior speaker features Apple has implemented, recognizing the voices of multiple users, offering Handoff to iOS devices, and playing ambient sounds like rainfall for background noise. HomePod 2 is also able to serve as an Intercom that allows messages to be sent to different rooms of the house. Features like Handoff are enabled through the included U1 chip.
A Find My feature allows the HomePod to be used to locate Apple devices like an iPhone or AirPods by playing a sound on the device, and Siri can also provide the location of friends and family members that have shared location details with the HomePod user. Sound Recognition capabilities allow the HomePod to listen for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, sending the user a notification.
Temperature and humidity sensors can be used to measure the indoor environment, allowing those metrics to be used in smart home automations with HomeKit devices. The HomePod also supports Matter and serves as a hub for connecting Matter devices and controlling them when away from home.
Apple's HomePod is priced at $299, which is the same price that the prior-generation version was selling for before it was discontinued. It launched on February 3.
To further speaker market penetration and to provide an additional price point, Apple also has a smaller and cheaper $99 version of the HomePod called the HomePod mini. For further details, please see our HomePod mini roundup.
How to Buy
The second-generation HomePod can be ordered from Apple's online store, and it is available in retail locations as of February 3, which is also the day that the first orders began arriving to customers.
Reviews
Reviews of the second-generation HomePod are positive, but most reviewers found the device to be close to identical to the original HomePod that Apple offered, with few changes.
The Verge said that the sound quality is "very similar" to the original HomePod, with just subtle differences, and The Wall Street Journal found the volume and sound profile to be the same.
Pocket-lint said that the speaker "sounds fantastic" and that the performance is "excellent," with crisp, clear vocals at the midrange and "plenty of bass" at the lower end. Though the new HomePod has fewer microphones than the original, Siri is just as responsive, even from across the room.
Spatial audio was praised as an impressive new feature, and the larger backlit touch surface was a positive design change that is simpler to use and more eye-catching.
More detailed reviews of the HomePod can be found in our dedicated HomePod review roundup.
Design
The second-generation HomePod looks almost identical to the discontinued original model. It features a cylindrical body with a flat top that is outfitted with a touchscreen display offering built-in touch controls to play/pause music and adjust the volume.
A Siri waveform is displayed at the top of the display when Siri is activated so it is clear when the voice assistant is listening, and it is worth noting that the integrated touchscreen is larger than the version used for the original HomePod. It supports a wider array of color options to reflect different functions and statuses.
Measuring in at 6.6 inches (168 mm) tall and 5.6 inches (142 mm) wide, the HomePod is just 0.2 inches shorter than the prior model. It weighs 5.16 pounds (2.3 kg), so it is slightly lighter as well. The HomePod 2 comes in white or midnight, a new color option that replaces the similar space gray, and aside from the mesh fabric and the waveform display at the top, there are no other external markings on the speaker.
There is a removable power cable at the back of the HomePod, which is easier to pull out than the cable used for the first-generation model.
The base of the HomePod features a vibration-damping silicone material, and it is worth noting that the white version can leave faint white rings on wood surfaces. Those concerned should use a coaster or some other kind of mat under the HomePod.
Supported Touch Gestures
The HomePod supports several gestures using the aforementioned touch controls at the top of the device. A tap pauses/plays music, while a double tap swaps to the next track. You can go back to the previous track with a triple tap, and a touch and hold brings up Siri (with a visible waveform to indicate when Siri is listening).
A tap or a tap and hold on the "+" button raises the volume, and a tap or a tap and hold on the "-" button lowers the volume.
Sound Quality
HomePod is filled with hardware dedicated to providing the best possible sound. At the bottom, there's a custom five beamforming tweeter array, each with its own individual driver, and Apple says they work together to achieve a "powerful acoustic experience."
There's a custom-engineered high-excursion woofer, a motor that drives the diaphragm 20mm to move more air, and a built-in bass EQ mic that allows for automatic bass correction to prevent distortion. Apple says that the second-generation HomePod is able to provide "rich, deep bass and stunning high frequencies."
A four-microphone array allows the HomePod to hear spoken Siri commands even when loud music is playing, and the included S7 system-on-a-chip improves sound quality through computational audio. The S7 was first used in the Apple Watch, and it replaces the A8 chip that was in the prior version of the HomePod.
HomePod 2 uses spatial awareness to intelligently detect the room around itself, automatically adjusting and balancing audio to take full advantage of its environment to fill a room with sound regardless of where it's placed. According to Apple, HomePod also uses an advanced algorithm to continually analyze what's playing, dynamically tuning low frequencies for smooth sound.
Two HomePods are able to work together as a stereo pair for an even richer sound, though it's worth noting that the second-generation HomePod does not pair with either the original HomePod or the HomePod mini. A set of stereo-paired HomePods can be set as the default sound option for a Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV, with the duo showing as a single selectable speaker.
With multiple HomePods or AirPlay-enabled speakers in different rooms in a home, the AirPlay 2 protocol can be used to control audio in every area of the house.
HomePod supports the following audio sources: Apple Music, iTunes music purchases, iCloud Music Library with an Apple Music or iTunes Match subscription, Third-party music services, Apple Music Radio or episodes on demand, Radio stations from TuneIn, iHeartRadio, and Audacy, Apple Podcasts, News briefings, Remastered ambient sounds, and AirPlay to share other content to HomePod from iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or Mac. It does not work with Bluetooth.
Spatial Audio
HomePod supports Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, allowing HomePod owners to listen to specially designed Spatial Audio tracks, which are available through Apple Music and other services.
Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos is designed to provide an immersive, multidimensional audio experience that allows artists to mix music in a way that makes it sound like the notes are coming from all around you.
Spatial audio applies directional audio filters and subtly adjusts the frequencies that each ear receives to place sounds virtually anywhere in space for an immersive listening experience.
Apple Music automatically play Dolby Atmos on the second-generation HomePod.
Siri Integration
Siri is a key part of HomePod, with the voice assistant serving as the main way to control the speaker. Siri is activated through a "Hey Siri" command, and can do many of the functions available on other devices like the iPhone.
Siri can make music recommendations based on personal tastes, aiding in music discovery, and the assistant can make note of what a user likes. Questions and commands that work with Siri on HomePod include "Play more songs like this," "Play something new," "Who's singing?" and "Play more like that." A sample of music-related Siri commands is available in the image above, shown on stage at the WWDC keynote. Siri is able to play content from your iCloud Music Library, Apple Music, or iTunes purchases.
Siri is also built to be a home assistant. Siri isn't limited to music and can answer queries around a wide range of topics, doing things like sending messages, making phone calls, setting multiple timers, offering weather updates, making calendar appointments, and more. Siri can answer queries from any person in the house, with Siri functionality not limited to a single user, and Siri can recognize different voices.
HomePod supports speakerphone functionality and is able to serve as a speaker and a microphone for a voice-based call. Anyone in the home can start a call on their iPhone and then switch it over to the HomePod using Handoff.
When Siri is activated, the top of the HomePod will light up and display a waveform, plus Siri will provide audio feedback. For HomeKit commands that do not provide a visual response (like a thermostat), Siri will also play a confirmation tone to affirm that a request was heard and acted on.
Smart Home Functionality
Like the original HomePod and HomePod mini, the second-generation HomePod works as a home hub, enabling remote access for HomeKit devices so they can be accessed when you're away from home.
The second-generation HomePod is also a Matter hub, which allows it to work with Matter-enabled accessories. Matter is a smart home standard that is designed to work across different platforms, and it is an alternative to HomeKit that functions in the same way.
Smart home devices that work through Matter or HomeKit can be controlled on the HomePod using Siri commands.
Sensors and Connectivity
There are several new sensors in the second-generation HomePod that allow for improvements to smart home functionality.
Temperature and Humidity
Built-in temperature and humidity sensors in the HomePod allow it to detect the conditions of the room that it is in. These metrics can be used in automations that activate HomeKit or Matter devices.
A HomePod can, for example, detect the humidity in the room and then activate a dehumidifier, or sense the temperature and turn on the thermostat.
Sound Recognition
Sound Recognition sensors allow the HomePod to listen for fire and carbon monoxide alarms, sending an alert in an emergency situation.
Accelerometer
There is an accelerometer in the HomePod, which is new. The accelerometer is able to adjust the sound of the HomePod in real-time if it is moved to a new location in the room.
WiFi and Bluetooth
The HomePod supports 802.11n WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0.
Other Features
There are a number of other functions that the HomePod is able to perform, thanks to the sensors and hardware in the device.
- Intercom - The HomePod can be used for household communication through Siri commands. Any Apple device can be used to send a message to a HomePod that is in another room of the house, for room-to-room communication.
- Doorbell announcements - With HomeKit connected doorbells, Siri on HomePod can announce when someone is at the door.
- Handoff - An Apple Music song playing on HomePod can be handed off to an iPhone, and vice versa. With the U1 chip in the HomePod, the iPhone just needs to be brought close to the speaker, and the song will transfer over.
- eARC - HomePod can pair with the Apple TV 4K, and with eARC, can be used as the speaker system for all connected peripherals.
- Find My - With Find My integration, HomePod can be used to play a sound on nearby Apple devices, and Siri can also be used to provide the location of friends and family who share their location with the HomePod owner.
- Ambient Sounds - Apple remastered ambient sounds like ocean, forest, and rain to make them sound better, plus they can be added to scenes, automations, and alarms.
Operating System
Apple provides regular updates for the HomePod, much like it does for iOS devices, Macs, the Apple TV, and the Apple Watch. Software updates are released alongside iOS software updates and can be installed using the Home app on the iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
HomePod How Tos
If you're new to the HomePod, or just looking to get the most out of your HomePod, make sure to check out all of the HomePod how tos we've shared.
HomePod Basics
- How to Set Up Your New HomePod
- How to Use the HomePod's Physical Controls
- How to Access Your HomePod's Settings
- How to Create and Manage Calendar Events on HomePod
- How To Make Notes and Reminders With Siri on HomePod
- How to Set and Manage HomePod Timers
- How to Create Alarms on Your HomePod
- How to Disable Personal Requests on HomePod
- How to Turn Off Location Services on HomePod
Controlling Audio Functions
- How to Change Audio Volume on HomePod
- How to Keep HomePod Volume Level Consistent for Music and Podcasts
- How to Disable Playback of Explicit Content on HomePod
- How to Use Your HomePod as a Speakerphone
- How to Play Ambient Sounds on HomePod
- How To Play and Control Podcasts on HomePod With Siri
- How to Ask Siri on HomePod to Play Apple Music Playlists, Genres, Moods, and More
- How to Use Your HomePod as a Speaker for Your Apple TV
- How to Create a HomePod Stereo Pair
- How to Stream Audio From Your TV's Inputs to HomePod via Apple TV (eARC)
- How to Enable Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio and Apple Lossless on HomePod
- How to Prevent Others' HomePod Requests From Skewing Your Apple Music Recommendations
- How to Use Two HomePods With a Mac for Stereo Audio Output
- How to Set Up Home Theater Audio with HomePod and Apple TV 4K
Using Other HomePod Features
- How to Set Up HomePod Multi-User Voice Recognition
- How to Assign Primary Users to Individual HomePods in the Same Household
- How to Find Family, Friends, and Items With Your HomePod
- How to Use Ambient Sounds in HomePod Automations
- How to Use Ambient Sounds in HomePod Alarms
- How to Use HomePod Ambient Sounds in Scenes
- How to Create Recurring Automations on HomePod Using Your Voice
- How to Use the Temperature and Humidity Sensors on HomePod
- How to Set Up Temperature and Humidity Automations on HomePod
- How to Delete Siri Audio History and Opt Out of Siri Audio Sharing on HomePod
- How to Install HomePod Public Beta Software
What's Next for the HomePod Lineup
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is "developing new speakers with screens and cameras." The report indicates that Apple could be at least exploring the idea of new HomePod models with a display and camera to compete with the likes of Google's Nest Hub Max, Amazon's Echo Show, and Facebook's Portal. Apple's camera-equipped HomePod would presumably offer similar functionality to existing competitors with features such as FaceTime video calling and HomeKit integration if it ever comes to market
Apple is also believed to be working on an Apple TV that is combined with a HomePod smart speaker, according to Gurman. The set-top box would include a camera for FaceTime on a TV and "other smart-home functions," but it is still in the early stages of development so Apple's plans could change.
Best Prices
FAQs
Will Apple bring back the full-size HomePod? ›
Apple unveiled the HomePod 2 in January 2023 as the full-size successor to the original HomePod.
Is HomePod the best sounding smart speaker? ›Apple's HomePod is the best-sounding wireless smart speaker available, and you can control it by voice using Apple's virtual assistant, Siri. But the HomePod is worth considering only if you're an iPhone owner and a subscriber to Apple Music (or are willing to be)—don't buy it if you want to keep streaming Spotify.
Is the HomePod worth it? ›Yes, if you're an iPhone user who takes music seriously.
The second generation HomePod delivers excellent sound and features to make any Apple fan happy.
- On your iPhone or iPad, connect to the 802.1X Wi-Fi network.
- Open the Home app.
- Tap the HomePod. ...
- Scroll down and tap "Move HomePod to [network name]".
- Tap Done after your HomePod connects to the new network.
On the whole, the new HomePod is the same as the old HomePod. It costs the same, sounds the same, and works the same. It's a bit of a mystery why Apple discontinued it in March 2021, only to revive it in almost the exact same form roughly two years later.
Why did Apple stop selling the big HomePod? ›When it was eventually released, the HomePod's Siri fared poorly against Alexa and Google Assistant, and reviewers criticized how locked into Apple's ecosystem the smart speaker was. Despite getting a $50 price cut in 2019, the HomePod was eventually discontinued in 2021.
Which speaker sounds better than HomePod? ›Our Verdict. The Sonos Move is a better speaker for most uses than the Apple HomePod (1st generation). The Sonos is better built, and its portable design makes it suitable for outdoor use. Its sound profile is more neutral, and it has bass and treble adjustments to help you customize its sound.
How does HomePod compare to Bose? ›Side-by-Side Comparison
The Apple HomePod (1st generation) and the Bose Home Speaker 500 are very similarly-performing speakers, so depending on your listening habits, you may prefer one over the other. The Apple has a better soundstage performance and a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box.
Sonos One sounds good; HomePod sounds better
The One has good bass and full vocals; the quality of its sound is one of the reasons it has been a pick for best smart speaker for years. But the overall sound of the HomePod is more pleasing to my ears: It has punchier bass and brighter treble tones than the Sonos One.
The Apple HomePod (1st generation) and the Amazon Echo Gen 4 are both excellent speakers for voice assistants, but the Apple is more versatile overall. Out-of-the-box, the Apple has a more balanced sound profile, and it has a better soundstage. It supports Apple AirPlay, while the Amazon speaker supports Bluetooth.
Is Apple canceling the HomePod? ›
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.
What will replace HomePod? ›Apple HomePod Mini
The HomePod Mini, Apple's new prized smart speaker, is the most obvious replacement for the original HomePod for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that it runs on the same smart system via Siri and, in that regard, seamlessly steps into its larger sibling's place.
Without a wireless connection, your Apple HomePod or HomePod Mini is essentially useless. Most of its functionality is delivered via the cloud, not least of it which is playing your favorite tunes from one of its compatible music services. For that, you need Wi-Fi.
How do I connect my HomePod to my TV? ›With Apple TV: From the Home Screen on Apple TV, select Settings > Video and Audio > Audio Output. Select the HomePod or stereo pair that you want to use for home theater audio. With iPhone or iPad: In the Home app, tap Apple TV, then scroll down and tap Default Audio Output.
Does HomePod work Bluetooth or Wi-Fi? ›iPhone and HomePod must be in the same HomeKit home and on the same Wi-Fi network. Your devices must have Bluetooth turned on in Settings and be within Bluetooth range of one another (about 33 feet or 10 meters).
Is the new HomePod better than 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.
How much does the original HomePod cost? ›Apple's HomePod is priced at $299, which is the same price that the prior-generation version was selling for before it was discontinued. It launched on February 3.
Will there be a second HomePod? ›The HomePod 2 was announced by Apple on 18 January 2023. It's on sale now in the US, UK and many other countries around the world, having been released on 3 February 2023. To get your hands on one, see our separate article on where to buy the HomePod 2.
How long will HomePod last? ›Even though the HomePod is discontinued it hasn't been end-of-lifed. The device will continue to function for years to come with updates from Apple and support for basic features. Even if the speaker one day stops working with Apple services like Apple Music or HomeKit, it will still function as an AirPlay 2 target.
Which is better Apple HomePod or Google Home? ›Our Verdict
The Apple HomePod is a better voice assistant speaker than the Google Nest Audio. The Apple speaker has a better-balanced default sound profile and a better soundstage. Its latency over a Wi-Fi connection is lower, so it's more suitable for watching videos.
Which is the best HomePod? ›
Apple HomePod 2
If you want a great-sounding smart speaker with room-filling audio and love Apple tech, then the HomePod 2 is the best option we've tested. The main draw is its ability to scan and optimise its audio settings for the room and position it is in on the fly.
- Anker. Anker Soundcore Motion+ ...
- Apple. Apple HomePod mini. SEARCH. ...
- Bose. Bose Portable Smart Speaker. SEE PRICE. ...
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- JBL. JBL PartyBox 310. SEE PRICE. ...
- Sonos. Sonos Move. SEE PRICE. ...
- Sony. Sony SRS-XP700. SEE PRICE. ...
- Ultimate Ears. Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM. SEE PRICE.
It's as compact as a Sonos One, gets nearly as loud as a Google Home Max, and produces what I feel is the best sounding audio across all music genres. It brings the bass, but still satisfies the rest of the sound spectrum. So Apple's HomePod is actually a good value... if you only take into account the sound quality.
Is HomePod loud enough? ›It goes much louder than expected – even 75 per cent volume is louder than we imagine most people will regularly want to go in an average-sized living room. But, no matter how much you push it, the HomePod Mini never shows any sign of strain. It's clean and composed at all volumes.
Where is the best HomePod for sound? ›When setting up HomePod for the best surround sound, place the speaker within 10 inches (25 centimeters) of a wall and as close to the center of your TV as possible. If you use a HomePod stereo pair, place the speakers on either side of the TV.
Is Bose still the best speaker? ›They have been around for many years and they continue to be popular today because of their great sound quality. Bose speakers are the best in sound quality. They have a very good bass and treble, which is why they are so popular among music lovers.
How many HomePods can you play at once? ›You can create a stereo pair with two HomePod mini, two HomePod (1st generation), or two HomePod (2nd generation) speakers. To create a stereo pair, both HomePod speakers need to be assigned to the same room. In the Home app on your iOS or iPadOS device, tap a HomePod.
Is HomePod louder than Alexa? ›While all of these speakers sound good, we found the 4th-Gen Echo to offer the strongest, loudest audio of the bunch. It got notably louder than the Nest Audio and HomePod Mini in our side-by-side tests, and doesn't get noticeably distorted at full volume.
How many HomePods can you connect to Apple TV? ›You can connect one or two HomePod speakers to Apple TV 4K to enjoy room-filling stereo sound. When you set up a second HomePod as a stereo pair, you get true stereo sound and a more immersive sound stage for your home theater.
Is HomePod good for calls? ›HomePod uses your iOS or iPadOS device to place and receive telephone and FaceTime audio calls. (iPhone is required for telephone calls.) To use these features, you need to set up your iOS or iPadOS device to make Personal Requests on HomePod.
Can I use HomePod as a Bluetooth speaker? ›
You need an iPhone or iPad with the latest iOS or iPadOS version to set up the HomePod mini, which takes just a few moments. The HomePod mini has Bluetooth for its Handoff feature, but doesn't work as a Bluetooth speaker.
What is Apple's Alexa called? ›Siri is your do-it-all intelligent assistant
And with multiple HomePod mini speakers around the house, it's easy to call on Siri from anywhere. HomePod mini and Siri can do even more by seamlessly connecting to your iPhone, and Apple Music Voice gives you access to every song in the catalog — all with just your voice.
HomePod is packed with Apple innovations, Siri intelligence, and smart home capabilities, while delivering a truly groundbreaking listening experience. CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced HomePod (2nd generation), a powerful smart speaker that delivers next-level acoustics in a gorgeous, iconic design.
Why is the HomePod gone? ›Though Apple has publicly said that it discontinued the larger HomePod to focus on the mini version, it's entirely possible that the company is working on an updated model in the background. There are plenty of use cases where a new, larger HomePod might outshine its diminutive counterpart.
When did Apple stop selling HomePod? ›On March 12, 2021, Apple discontinued the HomePod, but kept the HomePod Mini. In a statement, Apple said "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. We are focusing our efforts on HomePod mini.
Can anyone access my HomePod? ›You can allow everyone, anyone on the same network, or only people you've invited to share the home. You can also require a password that allows speaker access. To learn more about HomePod speaker and Apple TV access, see the HomePod User Guide and Apple TV User Guide.
How do I play music on HomePod without Internet? ›- Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad that is associated with the HomePod.
- Don't tap on the HomePod icon, instead tap on the little house icon in the top left above where it says My Home.
- Now scroll down to where it says Allow Speaker Access and tap on it.
Even with its many features, HomePod mini does have some limitations. You need to have an iPhone or iPad to set up the smart speaker. And since it integrates with other Apple devices, you'll need to have those devices in order to take full advantage of its features.
Is HomePod good for TV? ›You can use any of Apple's HomePods — the original HomePod (discontinued), HomePod mini or newest second-generation HomePod — and turn them in TV speakers. All you need is a HomePod (any model) and an Apple TV. For the best sound, you should get two HomePods and configure them as a stereo pair.
Can you connect Roku to HomePod? ›With HomeKit, you can easily and securely control your Roku device with your voice or by using the Home app and Siri on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, or HomePod.
What tvs are compatible with Apple HomePod? ›
- LG - 48" Class A2 Series OLED 4K UHD Smart webOS TV. ...
- Westinghouse - 50" 4K UHD Smart Roku TV with HDR. ...
- Westinghouse - 32" HD Smart Roku TV. ...
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- Westinghouse - 24" HD Smart Roku TV. ...
- Sony - 65" Class X80K Series LED 4K HDR Smart Google TV.
The HomePod mini works with the iPhone SE, iPhone 6s or later, the 7th-generation iPod touch, iPad Pro, fifth-generation iPad or later, iPad Air 2 or later, or iPad mini 4 or later with iOS 14 or iPadOS 14 or later installed.
Does HomePod work as a speaker? ›You can quickly hand off audio from your iOS device to your HomePod. HomePod can also play audio sent from an iOS or iPadOS device, Apple TV, or Mac using AirPlay 2. For details about using the Music app, the Podcasts app, and Control Center, see the iPhone User Guide or iPad User Guide.
Is Apple going to make a new HomePod? ›Apple's second-generation $299 smart speaker
Introduced in January 2023, the second-generation HomePod looks nearly identical to the first-generation HomePod but it adds new temperature and humidity sensors, has a new internal setup, and offers new smart home functionality.
Apple discontinued it in March 2021, leaving the $99 HomePod Mini as its lone smart speaker for nearly two years. “We are focusing our efforts on HomePod Mini. We are discontinuing the original HomePod,” Apple flatly said at the time.
Will Apple do another HomePod? ›HomePod 2 (2023): Design
The new HomePod is identical in design to the old one. That means it is 6.8 inches high and 5.6 inches wide with a circular base. It weighs 5.16 pounds, but that shouldn't matter too much given this is not a portable device.
For Apple TV 4K, ARC and eARC support effectively allows a HomePod or HomePod mini (or stereo-paired Homepods in a Home Theater Audio setup) to play audio from other TV-connected devices like a cable box, PS5, or Xbox Series X. The following steps show you how to get it set up.
What new Apple products are coming out in 2023? ›Apple in January 2023 introduced new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models that are equipped with updated M2 Pro and M2 Max chips. Apple also introduced new M2 and M2 Pro Mac mini machines and a new larger-sized $299 HomePod, with all of these announcements done via press release.
What sounds better than the HomePod? ›Our Verdict
The Sonos Move is a better speaker for most uses than the Apple HomePod (1st generation). The Sonos is better built, and its portable design makes it suitable for outdoor use. Its sound profile is more neutral, and it has bass and treble adjustments to help you customize its sound.
Introduction. It is not so often that we see one of Apple's products fail and become discontinued within a few years of its launch, but the HomePod was a prime example of this as it was released back in 2017 and discontinued a measly 4 years later in 2021.
Is a HomePod okay in the bathroom? ›
The Apple HomePod doesn't have a water/dust resistance specification rating. Apple describes the operating conditions for the device as "Relative humidity: 5% to 90% noncondensing." By this description, you probably don't want to bring it into a bathroom with poor ventilation while showering.
Is HomePod worth it 2023? ›The HomePod is good, but consider the HomePod mini
That is: If you own the original HomePod (or two), you probably don't need to upgrade. If you're starting from scratch, the competition is tough. If you look hard enough, you'll find better-sounding speakers, and you'll find cheaper ones too.
You can connect multiple devices to the HomePod but only one account at a time.
Can you use HomePod as Bluetooth speaker? ›You need an iPhone or iPad with the latest iOS or iPadOS version to set up the HomePod mini, which takes just a few moments. The HomePod mini has Bluetooth for its Handoff feature, but doesn't work as a Bluetooth speaker.