Apple could have a new HomePod for us soon, but is anyone looking forward to it?

The HomePod 2 has been teased again to launch in 2023, but even with the few details we’re not convinced this speaker will do any better than its failed predecessor.

Apple’s attempt at one of the The best smart speakersthe original HomePod, was a very impressive device. It featured amazing sound quality, an attractive design, and a decent voice assistant. but its high price seemed to put many people off, and after only three years on sale it was discontinued. the HomePod Mini has remained, but you’d be forgiven if you didn’t know it existed, as Apple doesn’t seem to mention it very often.

However, that could change in 2023 Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman (opens in new tab) – who has a solid track record of Apple leaks – and claims a new HomePod should be “coming pretty soon”.

While there’s always a touch of excitement about an upcoming Apple product launch, we can’t help but feel it HomePod 2 should be another disappointment for the tech giant.

The problem with the HomePod 2

One big advantage the new HomePod is expected to have over the original is a cheaper price point. When the first HomePod launched, it cost a whopping $349 / £319 / AU$499, which was more expensive than its competitors’ most luxurious offerings, like the $229 / £219 / $349 Google Nest Hub Max and the $199.99 / £189.99 / AU$329 Amazon Echo Studio.

That means even if it’s priced more in line with those other premium smart speakers, a price tag of around $200 / £200 / AU$300 is probably still out of many people’s budgets. What’s more, the HomePod 2 will also be a tough sell when it’s up against the much cheaper devices from Amazon and Google – speakers priced at around $50 / £50 / AU$80 (or even less if they’re on sale ) costs.