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A cheaper Apple HomePod could be on the way next year

Bloomberg's latest report doesn't just detail Apple's next iPhones, it also mentions a new smart speaker.

Eli Blumenthal Senior Editor
Eli Blumenthal is a senior editor at CNET with a particular focus on covering the latest in the ever-changing worlds of telecom, streaming and sports. He previously worked as a technology reporter at USA Today.
Expertise 5G, mobile networks, wireless carriers, phones, tablets, streaming devices, streaming platforms, mobile and console gaming,
Eli Blumenthal
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A cheaper HomePod could be coming next year. 

Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Apple's HomePod was praised for its sound quality, but the pricey Siri-powered smart speaker has failed to keep up with offerings from Amazon , Google  and Sonos, among others. Its initial $349 price didn't do it any favors; neither did Siri's limited functionality compared to Alexa or Google Assistant. 

Help may be on the way. After not updating the physical HomePod since its release in early 2018, Bloomberg reports that Apple is working on a cheaper HomePod for "as early as next year."

The report says that the cheaper speaker will "likely to have two tweeters (a type of loudspeaker), down from seven in the current HomePod." It is unclear if this will be a so-called "HomePod Mini" to rival Amazon's Echo Dot or Google's Home Mini

How much lower the price will go to is also unknown. While it was originally launched at $349, earlier this year the company cut the price to $299. Today it can be found for even cheaper than that, with B&H currently selling it for $269.95. 

Apple did not immediately respond to a CNET request for comment. 

In addition to working on a new HomePod, Apple is reportedly prepping three new iPhones for September as well as updates to the MacBook Pro , iPad , Apple Watch and AirPods