First Impressions of the New Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini 2: Price Hikes Take Center Stage
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, few voices are as respected as that of Daring Fireball’s John Gruber. This week, Gruber shared his initial thoughts on Apple’s latest offerings: the new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini 2. His verdict? The most noticeable change isn’t the features; it’s the price.
Price Surge: A Closer Look
Prior to their price increases in late June, the previous models of the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini were priced at $129 and $99, respectively, in the U.S. However, the new Apple TV 4K now carries a price tag of $299, and the HomePod mini 2 is priced at $149. This marks a significant uptick in pricing for both devices within just four months.
The new Apple TV 4K comes in a single configuration featuring 128GB of storage and an Ethernet port. When compared to the older 128GB model, which initially cost $149 and later increased to $249, the new model is technically only $50 more expensive. However, consumers now face a minimum spend of $299, a steep climb from the previous entry price of $129.
Cost of Complete Setup: A Stark Contrast
For those interested in using a pair of HomePod mini speakers as the default audio output for an Apple TV 4K, the financial commitment adds up. Gruber highlights that the total cost for such a setup now approaches $600, a considerable leap from the nearly $350 it cost before June.
“At the old pre-June prices, you could buy a 128 GB Apple TV and a pair of HomePod Minis for $350 ($150 + $100 + $100),” Gruber explains. “Four short months later, with today’s new models, that combination would cost $600 ($300 + $150 + $150). That price difference is much more striking than any of the new and improved features in the products.”
Gruber’s Final Take
Despite the price hikes, Gruber maintains that the new Apple TV 4K is “worth it” for him at its current price, and he considers the HomePod mini 2’s pricing to be “reasonable.” Yet, he acknowledges a broader consumer sentiment that previously found the old prices too high, making Apple’s recent price increases even more significant.
For more insights and the full commentary, you can read the original article Here.
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