Apple decreases official list price for HomePod smart speaker

Apple has reduced the prices for its HomePod smart speaker in several markets. For the U.S., the cost has been cut from $349 to $299. The HomePod now costs $399 in Canada instead of $449, while it retails for £279 in the UK instead of £319. The new prices appear to be a permanent adjustment rather than a temporary deal.

Apple’s usual policy has been to only decrease the list prices for products when the company is about to or already has announced a successor. It is possible that Apple is working on either a new refresh or a totally separate take on smart speakers to be released in the near future. However, given the current market, it would seem Apple’s better choice for a second smart speaker would be something less expensive than the HomePod, which is still on the high end of the emerging market. The adjustment may also be a response to the market trends. Inexpensive models such as the Amazon Echo Dot and Google Home Mini have been strong sellers globally, while analysts opined that the high cost was one reason why the HomePod has been slow out of the gate. It has been on the market for about 18 months.