Apple TV, HomePod, and HomePod mini Get Major Price Hike Worldwide

Apple TV, HomePod, and HomePod mini prices have increased worldwide, even though Apple has not updated these devices in several years. The change affects both Apple’s streaming box and its smart speakers, and it arrives while users continue to wait for new models with upgraded Siri support. In the United States, Apple has raised prices across the lineup: Apple TV Wi-Fi now costs $199, up from $129. Apple TV Wi-Fi + Ethernet now costs $249, up from $149. HomePod now costs $349, up from $299. HomePod mini now costs $129, up from $99. Apple says the price increase comes from the ongoing memory chip shortage, which has pushed up the cost of RAM and SSD storage used across its products. The company also raised prices on Macs, iPads, and other devices, so this change does not only affect Apple TV and HomePod buyers. The timing stands out because these products are already old by Apple’s usual hardware cycle. Apple introduced the HomePod mini in October 2020, while the current Apple TV 4K arrived in October 2022 and the second-generation HomePod launched in January 2023. New versions are still expected later this year. The next Apple TV could use the A17 Pro chip, along with Apple’s N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support. The HomePod mini is expected to get a newer Apple Watch chip, improved sound quality, better Ultra Wideband support, and possibly a new red color. Apple is also working on a new smart home hub, which could arrive as part of its wider push into a more Siri-focused smart home lineup.