Apple HomePod Second Generation vs First Generation: An In-Depth Comparison

Apple unveiled the original HomePod smart speaker in 2017 as its answer to competitors like the Amazon Echo and Google Home. The Siri-enabled device promised exceptional audio quality and seamless integration with Apple services. However, lackluster sales led Apple to discontinue the first-gen model in 2021.

Now the tech giant is trying again with the new second-generation HomePod, announced in January 2023. This updated version aims to improve on its predecessor with new features and a lower price tag.

But how exactly does this new HomePod compare to the original? What has changed and what has stayed the same? This guide examines both models side-by-side, analyzing their specs, audio components, pricing, and more. Read on for a comprehensive look at the HomePod generations.

A Brief History of the HomePod

Let‘s start with some background. Apple announced the original HomePod in June 2017, positioning it primarily as a premium smart speaker focused on high-fidelity audio.

The launch came two years after Apple unveiled Apple Music, its subscription streaming platform competing with Spotify. A smart speaker integrated with Apple services seemed like a logical move.

However, the first HomePod didn‘t actually ship until February 2018, retailing for $349. Reviews praised its excellent sound quality but criticized limited Siri functionality and lack of third-party support.

Sales lagged behind Amazon and Google models. After slashing the price to $299 in 2019, Apple discontinued the first HomePod in March 2021. A smaller, cheaper HomePod Mini, launched in late 2020, remains available.

Now in early 2023, Apple is trying again with the next-gen HomePod. Can this model fare better by improving on its predecessor‘s weaknesses while matching its audio prowess?

HomePod Generations Compared: Pricing and Physical Features

Here‘s a high-level overview comparing specs, pricing, and design between the two HomePod generations:

In terms of pricing and physical design, the two models are more similar than different. The biggest distinction is the new "Midnight" color option for the 2nd generation replacing Space Gray.

Otherwise, dimensions only vary by subtle fractions of an inch. And after its price cut in 2019, the original HomePod now matches the new model‘s $299 retail cost. For customers focused purely on size or pricing, either option fits the bill.

Of course, other factors like audio performance, smart features, and ecosystem integration reveal more significant differences, as analyzed in the sections below. But for shoppers prioritizing aesthetics and budget, both HomePod generations hit the mark.

Audio Quality Comparison

As a premium smart speaker, audio performance sits at the core of the HomePod‘s appeal. This section examines how the sound quality stacks up between the two generations.

Sound Components

Let‘s start by looking under the hood:

• Tweeters: circular drivers producing high frequencies
• Microphones: pick up voice commands and environmental sound
• Processor: the chip powering performance

Here‘s how the internal audio components compare across models:

Surprisingly, the new 2nd generation actually offers fewer hardware drivers powering sound, with two less tweeters and two less microphones than its predecessor.

However, Apple claims advancements in software, acoustics, and silicon allow the latest model to achieve better audio than before with fewer components. Engineers supposedly pushed hardware to its limits in the first HomePod, leaving optimization potential on the table.

The 2nd gen also gains Apple‘s newest S7 silicon, either matching or exceeding the A8 chip‘s capabilities. We‘ll examine audio benchmarks momentarily to evaluate Apple‘s claim that less internal hardware belies better overall performance.

Supported Audio Standards

Beyond internal components, the HomePod generations also differentiate on support for premium audio standards:

The addition of both Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio gives the new model a leg up for home theater enthusiasts. These technologies provide immerse, three-dimensional sound that makes music, movies, and more come alive.

spatial audio creates surround sound using just one or two HomePod speakers. Dolby Atmos optimizes audio output based on a room‘s acoustics.

Neither feature was available on the first-gen HomePod, which lacked support entirely. This gives the updated speaker a considerable edge for buyers prioritizing cinematic, enveloping sound.

Early Audio Benchmarks

So how do these specs and features translate into real-world performance? Early third-party audio testing offers some insight.

According to Pocket-Lint‘s preliminary benchmarks comparing a single HomePod 2 against the original, Apple‘s claims of better sound quality hold up:

• Frequency response: 2nd gen model offers stronger bass and brighter treble at high volumes
• Sound stage width: wider on 2nd gen, allowing better separation between instruments
• Peak volume: roughly equivalent at max loudness between generations

While not a perfect apples-to-apples test, these results back Apple‘s assertion that the latest HomePod improves audio fidelity over its predecessor. Remember it achieves this despite having fewer internal speakers.

So while hardware component counts might suggest a regression, Apple‘s engineering prowess delivers noticeably better sound than before. Early testing indicates spatial awareness and positioning also outperform the first model as well.

Smart Features Compared

Beyond pure audio prowess, smart connectivity and ecosystem integration differentiate modern speakers. Here‘s how Siri voice assistant capability and smart home functionality stacks up across HomePod generations.

Siri Voice Assistant

Given Apple manufactured both models, Siri comes built-in to each HomePod generation. You can call upon Apple‘s voice assistant to:

• Request songs via Apple Music
• Listen to podcasts
• Control smart home devices
• Check calendar, weather, traffic, etc
• Set timers and alarms
• Send messages
• Find information using web search

Since Siri powers key functionality on both HomePods, there isn‘t much distinction between the two generations in terms of broad voice assistant capability. Siri learns and expands over time via software updates across Apple devices.

However, the 2nd generation does add one notable new Siri-enabled feature lacking from the original: sound recognition for alarms and alerts.

The latest HomePod contains a sound sensor that can detect smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and glass breaking. You‘ll get notifications on connected Apple devices if the speaker picks up these sounds, even if you‘re away from home.

This new addition bolsters the HomePod‘s security and convenience as a central smart home hub. But otherwise, you can expect a similar Siri experience between generations for music, productivity, and everyday use cases.

Smart Home Connectivity

As for third-party smart home ecosystem support, Apple made a point to expand compatibility in the new HomePod model.

The original speaker only worked with HomeKit products. The 2nd generation now supports both HomeKit and Matter, the new smart home standard backed by Apple, Google, Amazon, and others in the industry.

This opens up way more options to connect things like:

• Smart lights
• Smart locks
• Smart switches
• Smart sensors
• Smart cameras
• Smart thermostats
• Smart appliances

In particular, launching with Matter lets you integrate the new HomePod with accessories across different brands and ecosystems. It should plug into your existing setup more seamlessly.

So if you found the first-gen HomePod limiting for controlling a wide range of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, the latest iteration fixes that weakness. Significantly broader smart home compatibility makes the 2nd gen model way more capable as a central control hub.

Privacy, Security, and Platform Support

For some buyers, things like privacy protections and multi-platform support carry just as much weight when evaluating smart speakers. Here‘s how Apple‘s two HomePod generations compare on these fronts:

Privacy and Security

Apple pitches the HomePod line first and foremost based on privacy. All models encrypt communications through end-to-end encryption and anonymous identifier tokens.

No personal data gets sold to advertisers. And no voice recordings go to Apple‘s servers – everything remains stored locally on the device for on-demand processing.

In other words, both generations provide industry-leading privacy protection and security. Apple‘s commitment to safeguarding user data remains consistent between original and new HomePods.

Multi-Platform Support

One common complaint of the first HomePod involved its closed ecosystem locking users exclusively into Apple services. The new model opens the door a bit to other platforms with added Bluetooth source connectivity.

While the first-gen speaker only lets you stream audio from an iPhone or iPad, the updated version introduces support for playing from Android and Windows devices via Bluetooth.

You still can‘t set up the HomePod without an iOS or MacOS device. But once configured, pairing other sources helps reduce friction for multi-platform households.

Streaming entertainment from beyond just the Apple universe no longer requires airplay mirroring or workarounds. More seamless Bluetooth connectivity makes the 2nd generation friendlier for mixed tech environments.

Sizing Up the Generations: Pros and Cons

To summarize the comparison, here‘s a full breakdown of the pros and cons distinguishing both HomePod models:

HomePod 2nd Generation Pros:

• Adds Dolby Atmos and spatial audio support
• New sound sensor enabled safety features via Siri
• Significantly broader smart home ecosystem compatibility
• Slightly smaller dimensions from 1st gen
• Bluetooth source pairing beyond just Apple devices
• Improved audio performance benchmarks

HomePod 2nd Generation Cons:

• Still fairly expensive at $299 price point
• Fewer internal tweeters and microphones than predecessor
• Bluetooth 5.0 already outdated

HomePod 1st Generation Pros:

• Excellent audio quality for its time
• Identical pricing after 1st gen price cut
• More internal audio hardware drivers
• Privacy and security on par with 2nd gen

HomePod 1st Generation Cons:

• No Dolby Atmos or spatial audio
• Limited smart home ecosystem support
• Larger dimensions than 2nd gen
• Initially overpriced at $349
• Closed ecosystem restricted multi-platform use

Which HomePod Model Is Better?

Taking everything into account, the 2nd generation HomePod edges out its predecessor as the better overall smart speaker.

The latest model retains Apple‘s excellent pedigree for privacy while matching the original‘s (eventually discounted) price point. It also improves upon audio performance despite reduced internal hardware components.

Most importantly, broadened compatibility with advanced sound formats like Dolby Atmos and wider support for connecting third-party smart home gadgets makes the newest iteration the superior central hub option.

Of course, supply constraints and novelty effect could make the upgraded unit hard to find for a while after launch. If you need a HomePod right away and can find the 1st gen discounted even cheaper, it still impresses with great room-filling sound.

But for the best blend of audio excellence, smart home control, and future-proofed standards support, the HomePod 2nd Generation claims the advantage. Apple learnt from past mistakes to deliver an outstanding sequel improving upon its precursor across the board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still evaluating both options? Here are answers to some frequently asked buyer questions:

Is the original HomePod still available?

No. After mediocre sales, Apple discontinued the 1st generation HomePod in March 2021. Any models still out there are old stock but no longer manufactured.

How does the full-size HomePod compare to the HomePod Mini?

The smaller HomePod Mini delivers impressive sound quality for its compact size. But the larger model provides louder, richer, room-filling audio perfect as a home‘s main music hub. Think of the Mini as a supplementary speaker best suited for smaller spaces like bedrooms or offices.

Do you need an iPhone/Mac to set up the 2nd generation HomePod?

Yes. All HomePod models require an iOS or MacOS during initial configuration to access Apple services. After setup though, you can stream audio from non-Apple devices via Bluetooth.

What colors does the new HomePod come in?

The 2nd generation launches in white and "Midnight", a black color replacing the 1st gen‘s Space Gray. More colors could get announced later, as happened with the HomePod Mini over time.

Does the new HomePod support lossless or hi-res streaming?

Yes, you can stream lossless audio via the Apple Music app, just like on other Apple devices. However the 2nd gen HomePod still doesn‘t support the highest resolution hi-res lossless streaming tier.

The Last Word

As Apple‘s two kicks at the high-end smart speaker can, the 2nd generation HomePod improves upon its predecessor in nearly ever regard. Upgraded audio powered by Dolby Atmos and spatial audio combines with expanded platform support to justify replacing your original model.

If you waited on purchasing a premium Apple speaker until the company refined the formula, your patience is rewarded with a superior sequel enhancing Siri intelligence, sonic capabilities, and overall ecosystem integration. The latest and greatest HomePod sits at the helm of small, yet mighty category Apple dominates.