Apple's second-generation HomePod Mini is reportedly no longer in the works, a new report claims.
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 09: The new Apple HomePod is displayed at an Apple Store on February 9, 2018 in San Francisco, California. Apple's new HomePod went on sale today at Apple Stores in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. The HomePod retails for $349.
Apple's New HomePod Mini Cancellation
Bloomberg journalist, Mark Gurman, disclosed that Apple scrapped plans for a new HomePod mini, as per a report by Engadget.
Shortly after the surprising debut of the new HomePod 2, it looks like the iPhone maker is abandoning its plans for the next generation HomePod Mini.
In the latest entry on the "Power On" newsletter, Gurman states that the Cupertino-based tech giant is no longer "actively working" on a new HomePod Mini.
It is worth noting that the HomePod Mini is essentially a smaller version of the original smart speaker of Apple. It is also a cheaper option for consumers looking to get their hands on a HomePod.
The renowned tech giant introduced the first-ever Mini option last October 2020, and recent rumors suggested that the Cupertino firm is working on a new version.
However, Gurman now says that Apple has abandoned the plan to work on its second generation.
Why Did Apple Scrap the Plans for a New HomePod Mini?
Engadget notes in its report that Gurman claims that the supposed second generation is closely similar to what the current offering brings to the table.
The journalist says that the new version "[does not[ include any major new functions that [are not] already in the $99 mini." And as such, Gurman offers that the tech giant concluded that "there isn't an obvious reason to update the model."
Read Also: Apple's Refresh HomePod Mini, Full-Size Version To Arrive! Expected Release Date, Features, and More
HomePod Mini Price Increase
While the iPhone maker reportedly stopped working on a new HomePod Mini, the current generation got a bit more expensive.
Apple recently hiked the pricing of the current HomePod Mini, along with the iMac.
The Verge reports that the HomePod Mini and the iMac are now more costly in various parts of Europe. The price hike varies depending on where you live or plan to buy these Apple devices.
In the United Kingdom, the smart speaker now retails for $123 or £99, up from its previous pricing of £89 or roughly $110.
On the other hand, European nations like Spain, Italy, France, Ireland, Germany, and Austria, saw an increase from €99 ($108) to €109 ($199).
The Verge notes that the pricing of the smart speaker in Zealand is a bit different. It used to retail for NZ$159.00, but after the price hike, it now costs NZ$179.00 or around $115.
But in the United States, the pricing of the HomePod Mini remained the same. You may still get your hands on the smart speaker for only $99, or less if you are lucky to cop it with a discount.
So it looks like the renowned tech giant increased the pricing depending on the country.
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