If you have had your sights set on the first smart speaker from Apple, the HomePod, but haven’t wanted to pay its full retail price, the company may have an option for you.
Apple is now officially selling refurbished models of the HomePod, just in time for the holiday season. As is par for the course, the refurbished model is available from Apple’s online storefront, and both variants (White and Space Gray) are available to purchase. As far as savings go, you’ll be taking $50 off the retail price. That means the refurb price is $299, rather than the $349 you’d normally have to fork over.
However, as noted today by MacRumors who picked up the refurbished availability, the HomePod is not showing up on Apple’s official list of refurbished devices just yet. That should change soon, though. And it’s worth adding that even if you select the direct link to the device it may not load properly from time to time. When it works, though, you should be able to pick up the smart speaker for the lower price. You can also do a quick search on the Apple website for “refurbished HomePod” to find the pair of listings.
Shipping is a bit delayed, though. If you order today and choose the fastest shipping option, it will arrive between November 30 and December 13. Meanwhile, if you go with the slower, free option you’ll have to wait between December 3 and December 14. It’s likely those dates will change, though. You should also be able to select in-store pickup as well, which should show December 14 as the availability date.
So, who’s picking up a refurbished HomePod now that it’s available? A gift for yourself or for someone else?
[via MacRumors; Apple]