Great news for Apple fans! Original HomePod set to make a comeback

tech.hindustantimes.com:

Ever since the discontinuation of the HomePod back in March of 2021, Apple's HomePod Mini has become the go-to smart speaker for tech enthusiasts. Now, Apple may be bringing back the larger HomePod.

According to Apple analysts Mark Gurman and Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is likely to bring back the original and larger HomePod in the first quarter of 2023. Apple's HomePod series has been a highly popular series in the home smart speaker category.

When Apple discontinued the HomePod, the HomePod Mini started garnering all the sales and last year's new HomePod Mini was the best-selling speaker in Q1 2022 with just under 4.5 million units sold, an increase of 29 percent compared to the previous year. The original HomePod was launched at a price tag of $349 which was later reduced to $299. Meanwhile, the HomePod Mini costs just $99 and is one of the best affordable smart speakers in the market.

Now, Apple is all set to bring back the larger model to increase the sales even further. According to AppleInsider, Apple is also reportedly working on a series of “Home” devices which could turn your ordinary home into a smart home. This includes a new device which could connect your HomePod to your Apple TV and FaceTime camera. Apple is already working on a cheaper version of the Apple TV which currently retails at $174.99, quite expensive for a smart set-top-box.

Apple is also said a "kitchen-bound device resembling an iPad on a robotic arm on the way".

Although the HomePod is expected to launch early next year, the other smart “Home” devices are expected to be launched in late 2023 or early 2024.