Apple HomePod 2 Wi-Fi 4 support leaves some potential customers disappointed & unlikely to buy it

Apple’s HomePod range of smart speakers is the go-to choice for millions of users thanks to its beamforming support, incredible audio quality, and deep bass.

The company recently launched the next-generation HomePod 2, featuring upgraded touch control functionality that now comes equipped with backlit capacitive buttons.

The product comes integrated with the S7 chipset that also happens to power the Apple Watch Series 7, something that’s proving to be a source of frustration for some potential buyers.

Apple made the controversial decision to switch back to the old Wi-Fi 4 standard, which has made some re-think their decision to purchase the newly launched speakers.

According to reports (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10), some current HomePod owners are disappointed with the company’s decision to go with the old Wi-Fi 4 connectivity standard for the new smart speaker.

Potential buyers are surprised that while other companies are switching and upgrading to the new Wi-Fi 6 standard and integrating it into their product lines, Apple somehow decided to go old-school.

It is worth noting that even the first-generation HomePod supports Wi-Fi 5 connectivity standard, which makes this decision even more absurd.

The new HomePod is powered by the Apple Watch S7 chip, which apparently lead to a downgrade from WiFi 5 to WiFi 4, similar to the S5 powered HomePod mini. Does it matter?
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The new HomePod features WiFi 4 (2009 standard) as opposed to WiFi 5, which is what the original HomePod offered (announced in 2017). Weird.
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This has left some confused and questioning the need to purchase the next-gen HomePod 2 if Apple cannot even incorporate newer technology standards in the product.

However, it is also quite possible that some of the new features and improvements over the current HomePod may be good enough to make others buy the HomePod 2.

For instance, the new spatial audio support and upgraded speaker quality might be an attractive point for some.

The new HomePod is Matter compatible as well, which makes it easy for one to interconnect all of their devices in a smart home setup with the new smart home protocol.

Also, since the product has been launched at a price point similar to the original HomePod, it’s quite possible that some might lean toward purchasing it.

The HomePod 2 will be available for purchase beginning February 2.

Note: You can check out more stories related to Apple on our website.

Featured image source: Apple HomePod 2

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