If you’ve not heard the news, Apple is discontinuing the HomePod, though they are keeping the HomePod mini.

Apple, via the headline linked TechCrunch post:

HomePod mini has been a hit since its debut last fall, offering customers amazing sound, an intelligent assistant, and smart home control all for just $99. We are focusing our efforts on HomePod mini. We are discontinuing the original HomePod, it will continue to be available while supplies last through the Apple Online Store, Apple Retail Stores, and Apple Authorized Resellers. Apple will provide HomePod customers with software updates and service and support through Apple Care.

The fact that Apple pulled the plug without a replacement in place makes me think we’re not getting a new version, that the HomePod mini is the HomePod for all of us. Though that doesn’t mean we won’t see another evolution in the HomePod line. Still chewing on this.

Interestingly, you can still order a HomePod on the Apple Store, as long as you like white. Space Gray is sold out.

I’m wondering about the potential for future price discounts as that inventory dries out. Worth holding out for that? And there’s also the potential for a HomePod appearance on Apple’s official refurbished site.

Last, but certainly not least, here’s Rene Ritchie sharing his thoughts on why Apple killed the OG HomePod. Lots of great food for thought here.

Most interesting to me was the question of Apple eventually dropping support for this HomePod over time. Given that there is no line-in, no direct Bluetooth support, is it possible that this speaker might eventually no longer work?