Apple Delays HomePod Speaker

Customers eager to get the first Apple smart speaker are to receive some bad news-- the HomePod's initial release in the UK, US and Australia has been delayed until "early 2018."

HomePodApple does not give reason for the delay, other than it needing a "little more time" before the device is ready for launch. It is also unclear as to whether the delay will affect launch in other countries, but we can assume that will be exactly the case.

"We can't wait for people to experience HomePod, Apple's breakthrough wireless speaker for the home, but we need a little more time before it's ready for our customers," the full Apple statement reads. "We'll start shipping in the US, UK and Australia in early 2018."

As the first Apple smart speaker, the HomePod is a bin-shaped number offering functionality akin to similar products based on Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, only via Siri and full iDevice compatibility. It also acts as a HomeKit hub, and pushes audio via 7-tweeter array and high-excursion woofer. However the delay sees it concede the holiday shopping season to the competition, and once it launches it will face an increasingly crowded market.

Go Apple HomePod Delay Statement