Change what HomePod listens to you
The HomePod, Apple’s first smart speaker, is already available in a variety of markets around the globe, not including Japan. But that will be changing this summer.
According to Gizmodo Japan, Apple has confirmed that the HomePod will launch in Japan in the coming weeks. When it does arrive, it will be priced at 32,800 yen (~$301). This has been a longtime coming, as initial rumors of a HomePod launch in Japan were first circulating in May of last year. But it looks like the wait is finally almost over.
However, while the expected launch is sometime this summer, this latest report doesn’t have an exact date to circle on the calendar. And while plans could always change, the company does have an official landing page for the HomePod on its Japanese online storefront, suggesting a launch is indeed coming soon.
When it launches, the HomePod will be available in Space Grey and White.
The HomePod will be getting new features once iOS 13 launches later this year. That includes a more personalized experience, and support for Handoff which will allow users to quickly switch media playback from an iOS device to the HomePod and vice versa.
This is all good news for potential HomePod owners in Japan, and good news for Apple which obviously wants to continue to expand its smart speaker availability.
If you’re in Japan, do you plan on picking up a HomePod once it becomes available?