Apple’s HomePod made waves in the news this week, mostly because of a new weird-but-awesome video directed by Spike Jonze, but also because of rumblings that Apple could launch a cheaper HomePod. The rumors, which were picked up by MacRumors and What Hi-Fi?, stated that it would be a smaller HomePod — likely called “HomePod Mini” — and could cost as low as $150, putting it right in competition with cheaper smart speakers, like the Google Home ($129), Amazon Echo Plus ($150) and the Sonos One ($199).
Price has been the main question mark with the HomePod thus far. At $349, it’s significantly more expensive than other smart speakers that admittedly don’t sound as great. But if Apple could bring down the price of its HomePod, it’d be hugely attractive to people — how many people own iPhones, after-all? If the rumors are true, this lower-priced HomePod will launch in the second half of 2018. So if you haven’t bought a HomePod yet, but were thinking about doing so, this HomePod mini rumor might give you reason to wait just a little longer.

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