Michael Sherman|Published
Apple spent half a decade waiting to update its home product lineup, and it simply wasn’t worth the wait.
Apple waited between four and six years to update two of its core home devices, and when the new lineup was finally unveiled on Wednesday, it landed as a massive anti-climax.
I’m talking about the HomePod mini and the Apple TV 4K. The original HomePod mini debuted back in 2020, while the 3rd-generation Apple TV 4K launched in 2022.
While it’s almost criminal that a four-year-old Apple TV 4K still starts at R4,199 (up from R2,999 following a price hike in June), it is even more ridiculous that the new model costs over R2,000 more, landing with an eye-watering launch price of R6,299.
Apple TV 4K Price Justification: Is It Worth the Heft Price Tag?
Even with spec-bump upgrades like the new A19 chip and deep Siri AI integration, there is no world in which a streaming box should cost this much. It’s downright laughable.
If you can’t tell, I’ve been eagerly anticipating this Apple TV update for years, as my trusty old Xiaomi streaming player just isn't cutting it anymore. Yet even after waiting so long, and despite being an unabashed Apple enthusiast, I cannot find a single rational way to justify spending that kind of money on it.
The fact of the matter is that you can currently pick up a 50-inch Toshiba Smart QLED TV for R4,999 on Amazon, or a 55-inch Hisense QLED Smart TV from Pick n Pay for R5,999.
Spending that money on a solid, full-sized display with slightly less optimised software makes far more commercial sense than dropping it on a standalone media hub. That is the fundamental problem: buying an Apple TV 4K at this price point means consciously choosing a small media box over a completely competent mid-tier smart TV for the exact same outlay.
Meanwhile, the all-new HomeView smart display also debuts at the same steep R6,299. While this represents a brand-new product category rather than a direct price increase on an existing item, the figure remains staggering for a home hub.
Visually taking design cues from a miniaturised 2002 iMac G4, the device mounts a 7-inch square display onto a domed base via a metallic arm.
Crucially, it relies on a wired connection for continuous power. A wall-mounted alternative is available globally, but that essentially leaves you with a square iPad permanently tethered to your wall.
Worse yet, local consumers won't even have the option to order the wall-mount configuration here in South Africa.
HomePod mini 2: Updated Features and Market Impact at R3,499
Finally, the updated HomePod mini 2 completes the trio at R3,499. That marks a R500 markup over the original model, bringing an upgraded chipset alongside fresh colour options.
At least the new HomePod is only R500 more than its predecessor, though it certainly isn't worth upgrading to if you already own the first generation.
Apple has also partnered with "select brands" to offer integrated smart cameras, thermostats, and smart door locks to expand its broader accessory ecosystem.
Ultimately, however, it feels as though the smart home sphere has been largely glossed over by Apple. Unlike its laptops and iPhones, this is a market segment where Apple wouldn't even be missed if it disappeared overnight.
Of course, that won't happen, but right now, there is almost no compelling reason to choose an Apple home product over the competition.
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL.
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