Old vs. New HomePod: Buyer’s Guide and Key Differences

iOS
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The key takeaway from the comparison between the original Apple HomePod (1st generation) and the newer Apple HomePod (2nd generation) is that Apple focused more on refinement and smart home features than a dramatic audio upgrade.

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Here are the most important differences:

  • The newer model adds:

    • U1 chip for faster Handoff with iPhone

    • Temperature and humidity sensors

    • Thread smart home support

    • Sound Recognition features

    • Removable power cable

    • Updated S7 chip

  • The original model actually had:

    • More tweeters (7 vs 5)

    • More microphones (6 vs 4)

    • Faster Wi-Fi standard (Wi-Fi 5 vs Wi-Fi 4)

  • Audio quality between the two is considered very close in real-world use.

The article’s recommendation breaks down like this:

  • Existing original HomePod owners:

    • Don’t rush to upgrade unless you specifically want Thread, sensors, or better Handoff.

  • People wanting a stereo pair:

    • You must use two identical generations. The two HomePod generations cannot be stereo paired together.

  • New buyers:

    • The newer HomePod is the safer long-term purchase because it has newer hardware and likely longer software support.

The new model also introduced the Midnight color, replacing Space Gray, while keeping the same general cylindrical design.