Apple’s new second-generation HomePod reportedly has a significant backlog of pre-orders, with shipping dates showing an up to a seven-week delay in some markets.
Apple last week unveiled its new full-sized HomePod that features advanced computational audio for a groundbreaking listening experience, including support for immersive Spatial Audio tracks. Pre-orders for the new HomePod have been open for less than a week since its announcement on Tuesday, January 18.
Users can now create smart home automation using Siri, get notified when a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm is detected in their home, and check the temperature and humidity in a room — all hands-free.
The new HomePod is 6.6-inches tall and weighs 5.1 pounds, compared to 6.8-inches and 5.5 pounds for the first-generation model. Both models are 5.6 inches wide. The new HomePod also has two fewer tweeters and microphones compared to the original model. The original HomePod was equipped with the A8 chip from the iPhone 6, while the new model has the S7 chip from the Apple Watch Series 7.
The second-generation HomePod is $299 and is available to order online and in the Apple Store app, with in-store availability beginning Friday, February 3.
As noted by MacRumors, in the United States, the midnight HomePod shows an estimated shipping time of three to four weeks. However, the white HomePod shows no delay. In the United Kingdom, the midnight HomePod shows a five to six-week delay in shipping. In other markets, including Germany, both colors of the new HomePod face more than a month delay.