Apple surprisingly introduced its new HomePod 2, which looks similar to the first-generation smart speaker. The latest offering debuts two years after the iPhone maker discontinued the original version.
So how does the second generation compare to the first-ever HomePod?
Apple HomePod 2
As per a recent report by The Verge, Apple has finally announced the second-generation HomePod.
It is really hard to tell what sets the new $299 smart speaker from the first generation, as the two look closely the same from afar.
However, the 2022 HomePod reportedly comes with a couple of new features and upgrades compared to the original smart speaker.
The second generation is now available to order at Apple online stores. The tech giant will begin shipping its all-new HomePod in a few more days or starting this February 3.
It will be available in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and China, to name a few. The iPhone maker is also releasing the new HomePod to other markets like Japan, Germany, and France, along with 13 other countries.
But is the new one really worth getting or sticking to the first generation would do fine?
HomePod 2 vs. HomePods 1: Here's What's New
According to 9to5 Mac, the all-new HomePod 2 brings wireless protocol Thread and Matter support to the table, which the first-gen misses out on. These new features should give the latest offering an advantage in controlling compatible devices.
It also comes with another feature that its older sibling skips, an all-new temperature and humidity sensor, similar to the HomePod Mini.
The Verge notes that Apple has upgraded the chipset of the second-gen by stuffing it with the S7 chip, the same processor that powers the Apple Watch Series 7. It also comes with a U1 chip, which 9to5 Mac says should improve iPhone handoff support.
On the other hand, the original version features an A8 chip, which also powered the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.
A new sound recognition feature is also on its way to the new HomePod. Apple might roll it out via a software update this spring to the second-gen, along with the HomePod mini.
However, both speakers kept features like Beamforming, Room sensing, and the immersive Spatial Audio Dolby Atmos, as well as the Auto bass correction and home theater with Apple TV 4K.
The all-new version is slightly lighter than the original model. The new HomePod weighs only 5.16 pounds, while its predecessor is 5.5 pounds heavy.
On top of that, the second-gen is slightly smaller than the previous version. However, it is difficult to tell as it is only around 0.2 inches.
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