Apple entered the smart speaker industry with its Siri-powered HomePod that carried a price tag of $349. While the hardware screams quality and the sound quality is extraordinary, the price of the smart speaker is debatable. Nonetheless, the HomePod is designed by Apple and priced accordingly. However, a new report has emerged that suggests the company might be planning to launch a Beats-branded HomePod at a price of $199. So let's dive in to see some more details on the report (via Loveios).
Apple Planning To Launch A $199 Beats-branded HomePod
Previously we covered that Apple sold 600,000 units of the HomePod which positioned it as at number four in the smart speaker industry with Amazon and Google leading the way. However, there are some changes needed to be made if Apple is to raise its sales. The cheaper smart speaker would make sense for Apple as more number of users will be able to afford it, whereby, increasing sales and market share.
The information has been gathered from Apple's supply chain via Sina and also adds one more bit of important information - the $199 HomePod will have Beats branding. Apple acquired Beats several years ago and could potentially be looking forward to putting it on its cheaper version of the HomePod. The Beats branding is still strong and could work best for the company.
However, according to 9to5mac, it is possible that the supply chain is mixing devices up. Apple has previously confirmed that the next Beats-branded product will support AirPlay 2 functionality. Henceforth, it is possible that the iPhone-maker has been in works to manufacture the Beats-branded smart speaker for quite some time and it might be the AirPlay 2 equipped devices coming soon.
As we have mentioned earlier, the price tag will be listed at $199. As for the functionality, we are unclear if it would have an exclusive feature. The sound quality could be less than that of the HomePod or possibly it would not feature Siri, making it just a standard speaker. Do take note that these are mere assumptions and the final word rests with Apple.
As for the availability, there is no confirmation or news of the scenario. We can hope the $199 Beats-branded HomePod to launch sometime in the near future. There will be more to the story, so be sure to stay tuned in for more details. We will update you guys as soon as we hear a word.
This is all for now, folks. What are your thoughts on the $199 Beats-branded HomePod? Would you be willing to get one? Share your views with us in the comments.
