The new 2nd generation Apple HomePod: Price, features & specs

Apple has announced the release of its 2nd generation HomePod. A powerful smart speaker that boasts next-level acoustics and a sleek, iconic design. The new HomePod is packed with Apple innovations and Siri intelligence. Making it an ideal choice for music lovers looking for an immersive and high-quality listening experience.

The HomePod’s advanced computational audio capabilities include support for Spatial Audio tracks. Which creates a more immersive and realistic listening experience. Additionally, the HomePod offers a range of convenient new ways to manage everyday tasks and control the smart home. Allowing users to easily automate their home using Siri and receive notifications when smoke or carbon monoxide alarms are detected in the home. With the ability to check the temperature and humidity in a room. The HomePod is a great choice for those looking for a safe and secure smart home experience.

HomePod Design:

The new HomePod is available in white and a new color called Midnight, which is made with 100% recycled mesh fabric. The HomePod’s design is sleek and modern, with a seamless, acoustically transparent mesh fabric and a backlit touch surface that illuminates from edge to edge. The HomePod’s color-matched woven power cable adds to its sleek design, making it a great addition to any room in the home.

HomePod Features:

The HomePod’s acoustic capabilities are impressive, with a custom-engineered high-excursion woofer, powerful motor, built-in bass-EQ mic, and beamforming array of five tweeters all working together to deliver rich, deep bass, natural mid-range, and clear, detailed highs. The HomePod’s S7 chip, combined with software and system-sensing technology, offers even more advanced computational audio, maximizing the full potential of its acoustic system for a groundbreaking listening experience.

The HomePod also features room-sensing technology, which recognizes sound reflections from nearby surfaces to determine if it is against a wall or freestanding. This allows the HomePod to adapt its sound in real-time, ensuring that the listener always receives the best possible audio experience. The HomePod’s precise directional control of its beamforming array of five tweeters separates and beams direct and ambient audio, immersing listeners in crystal-clear vocals and rich instrumentation.

With Apple Music, users have access to a catalog of over 100 million songs. Which can be played on the HomePod or on a stereo pair of HomePods. The HomePod also offers Spatial Audio, which creates a more immersive and realistic listening experience. And can be used with a single HomePod or as a stereo pair. Additionally, the HomePod can be used to create a captivating home theater experience with Apple TV 4K.

Users can also use Siri to access a range of music knowledge. Such as searching by artist, song, lyrics, decade, genre, mood, or activity. With two or more HomePod or HomePod mini speakers, users can unlock a variety of powerful features. Such as multiroom audio with AirPlay. This allows users to play the same song on multiple HomePod speakers. Play different songs on different HomePod speakers, or use them as an intercom to broadcast messages to other rooms.

HomePod integration & Connectivity:

Users can also create a stereo pair with two new 2nd generation Apple HomePod speakers in the same space. Which separates the left and right channels and plays each channel in perfect harmony. Creating a wider, more immersive soundstage than traditional stereo speakers. This creates a truly standout listening experience that is perfect for music lovers.

The HomePod seamlessly integrates with the Apple ecosystem. Leveraging Ultra Wideband technology to allow users to hand off whatever they’re playing on their iPhone directly to the HomePod. This makes it easy for anyone in the home to control what’s playing or receive personalized song and podcast recommendations. 

The HomePod also allows users to control their smart home devices using Siri. With the ability to adjust lights, locks, and thermostats using voice commands. This makes it easy for users to control their home environment without having to physically interact with the devices themselves.

In addition to its audio and smart home capabilities. The new HomePod also offers a range of other features that make it a versatile & convenient addition to any home. For example, users can use the HomePod to set reminders, make phone calls, and check the weather, all hands-free. This makes the HomePod a great choice for those who are always on the go. And need a convenient way to stay organized and informed.

HomePod Availability & Price:

The new 2nd generation Apple HomePod is available to order online. And in the Apple Store app starting today, with availability beginning Friday, February 3. With its advanced audio capabilities, Siri intelligence, and convenient smart home features. The HomePod is an ideal choice for music lovers and smart home enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re looking for an immersive listening experience or an easy way to control your smart home devices, the HomePod is sure to meet your needs.

HomePod (2nd generation) is available to order for $299 (US) from apple.com/store. And in the Apple Store app in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, UK, US, & 15 other countries starting today. With availability beginning Friday, February 3 as mentioned before.

The2nd generation Apple HomePod is compatible with iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later. Or iPhone 8 and later running iOS 16.3 or later. And iPad Pro, iPad (5th gen) and later, iPad Air (3rd gen) and later. Additionally, iPad mini (5th generation) and later running iPad OS 16.3.