Apple TV Price Jumps to $199 Without Hardware Update

Published by Carl Sanson on

Apple TV Price Jumps to $199 Without Hardware Update — AI

What You Need to Know

  • Apple raised prices on Apple TV, HomePod, and HomePod mini without recent hardware updates.
  • Apple TV Wi-Fi price increased from $129 to $199; HomePod mini from $99 to $129.
  • Memory chip shortage driving up RAM and SSD storage costs across Apple’s product lines.
  • New Apple TV and HomePod mini models with upgraded chips expected later this year.

Apple has raised prices on the Apple TV, HomePod, and HomePod mini across its entire lineup, despite none of these products receiving a hardware update in years. The increases are steep: the Apple TV Wi-Fi jumps from $129 to $199, and the Apple TV Wi-Fi + Ethernet goes from $149 to $249. The HomePod and HomePod mini climb from $299 to $349 and from $99 to $129, respectively.

The reason Apple gives is a memory chip shortage that has driven up the cost of RAM and SSD storage. That same pressure is pushing prices higher across Macs and iPads as well, so the TV and HomePod lineup is not being singled out. Still, asking customers to pay significantly more for hardware that was already aging before the price change is a harder sell than it would be mid-cycle.

The age of these devices is the uncomfortable backdrop here. The HomePod mini launched in October 2020, and neither it nor the Apple TV 4K has seen a refresh during a period when Apple has moved quickly on chips elsewhere. The current Apple TV 4K arrived in October 2022, and the second-generation HomePod followed in January 2023.

Upgrades Are Coming, Just Not Yet

Replacements are expected later this year. The next Apple TV is expected to carry the A17 Pro chip along with Apple’s N1 chip, adding 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 developing a smart home hub as part of a broader push toward a Siri-focused smart home lineup. Buyers paying the new prices today are essentially funding a product generation they will not receive until later.

Source: Apple TV, HomePod, and HomePod mini Get Major Price Hike Worldwide (macobserver.com)

Categories: News

Carl Sanson

Carl Sanson is a writer and tech reviewer at Guide4Mac, specializing in the MacBook and Mac desktop lineup. Having grown up during Apple’s shift from Intel to its own custom chips, Carl has a natural interest in how hardware performance translates to everyday productivity. He spends most of his time testing the limits of macOS on everything from the entry-level MacBook Air to high-end Mac Pro setups. Whether he’s troubleshooting a system update or comparing the latest M-series processors, Carl’s goal is to provide straightforward, honest advice that helps users choose the right Mac for their needs. When he isn't benchmarking hardware, he’s usually experimenting with new productivity apps or refining his desk setup.

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