Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini Price Increases 'Much More Striking' Than New Features
Industry analysis suggests that the recent price hikes for the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini are more significant than the actual feature upgrades provided. Critics argue that the increased cost of building a home ecosystem is becoming prohibitive for average consumers.
Why it matters
Pricing strategies for consumer electronics can affect brand loyalty and market share in the competitive smart home sector.
Daring Fireball 's John Gruber shared his first impressions of the new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini 2 this week, and he concluded that the price increases the devices received are "much more striking" than any of the new features introduced.
Prior to receiving price increases in late June , the previous Apple TV 4K started at $129 in the U.S., while the previous HomePod mini was priced at $99. The new Apple TV and the HomePod mini 2 are priced at $299 and $149, respectively, so both devices are now significantly more expensive than they were just four months ago.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in