New HomePod Can't Be Stereo Paired With First-Generation HomePod

Following Apple's new full-size HomePod announcement, many owners of the original HomePod are wondering if it's possible to pair the new ‌HomePod‌ with the first-generation smart speaker of the same name. The short answer is no.

2023 HomePod Pair
Creating a stereo pair with the new ‌HomePod‌ requires another second-generation ‌HomePod‌. In the footnotes from Apple's press release:

Creating a HomePod stereo pair requires two of the same model HomePod speakers, such as two HomePod mini, two HomePod (2nd generation), or two HomePod (1st generation).

That's not to say the two devices can't be used together at all. If you have a new ‌HomePod‌ and first-generation ‌‌HomePod‌ in the home, they can be used to play your music in different rooms, and features like Intercom will work across both devices.

In another notable development, a software update appears to be on the way for the HomePod mini that will add two key features currently exclusive to the new ‌HomePod‌ – temperature and humidity sensing in indoor environments.

The new ‌‌HomePod‌ ‌costs $299 and is available in both white and midnight color options. In-store availability and deliveries to customers will begin Friday, February 3 in select countries.

Related Roundup: HomePod
Buyer's Guide: HomePod (Buy Now)

Top Rated Comments

NavySilver Avatar
12 months ago
I don't think Apple realized that, rather than making me buy two, this news means I will be buying zero of them...
Score: 92 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gmarm Avatar
12 months ago
I expected nothing less ?
Score: 46 Votes (Like | Disagree)
the future Avatar
12 months ago
In (quality) stereo audio, it is absolutely mandatory to use two identical speakers. So even if pairing gen 1 and 2 would be possible, it would still be a bad idea.

That being said, I‘m very curious how the sound of these will compare. I‘m using a pair of first gen HomePods every day and they still sound awesome, especially for the size (and price).
Score: 37 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TSE Avatar
12 months ago
This has to be the most baffling product release ever from Apple.
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jaysapple Avatar
12 months ago
I can’t wait for this to fail. Expensive stereo system that has a terrible virtual assistant and glitches 24/7. Trillion dollar company that can’t get it right. Embarrassing
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sjsharksfan12 Avatar
12 months ago

I don't think Apple realized that, rather than making me buy two, this news means I will be buying zero of them...
So they discontinued the original, bring out a new one, and there is already a big limitation on it. Why would I buy the new one again?
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 15 General Feature Black

New iOS Features Coming in 2024 for Messages, Apple Music, and More

Thursday December 28, 2023 7:30 am PST by
2024 is just a few days away, and there are many iOS 17 and iOS 18 features that are expected to launch throughout the year. Below, we have recapped new iOS features expected in 2024, including Stolen Device Protection, collaborative Apple Music playlists, AirPlay on hotel room TVs, app sideloading in the EU, next-generation CarPlay, roadside assistance via satellite outside of the U.S., RCS ...
iOS 17

iOS 17.3 Will Add These Two Useful Features to Your iPhone

Sunday December 24, 2023 8:59 am PST by
Apple released the first beta of iOS 17.3 earlier this month, and the upcoming software update includes two new features so far. iOS 17.3 will likely be released in January like iOS 16.3 and iOS 15.3 were, but February is also a possibility if testing is prolonged. Below, we provide additional details about the new features in iOS 17.3 so far. Stolen Device Protection Earlier this...
iPhone 17 Five Features Header

iPhone 17: Five Features Apple Plans to Save for 2025

Thursday December 28, 2023 2:00 am PST by
Apple's iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models concurrently, which is why we sometimes get rumored feature leaks so far ahead of launch. The iPhone 17 series is no different, and already we have some idea of what to expect from Apple's 2025 smartphone lineup. If you plan to skip...
Mac Gaming

Apple Discusses Push Towards High-End Mac Gaming in New Interview

Thursday December 28, 2023 6:19 am PST by
Inverse's Raymond Wong today published an in-depth overview of Apple's increasing push towards high-end gaming on the Mac. The story includes commentary from Apple marketing managers Gordon Keppel and Leland Martin. One of the biggest reasons that gaming has improved on the Mac in recent years is the switch from Intel processors to Apple silicon, resulting in MacBooks providing...
Apple Watch Series 9

Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 Available in Apple Stores Starting Today, Online Sales to Resume Tomorrow

Wednesday December 27, 2023 2:28 pm PST by
Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 are back in some of Apple's retail stores in the United States today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Select stores will have availability today, while all stores will have the Apple Watch models back in stock by December 30. Online sales of the devices are set to resume tomorrow by 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Apple is able to begin selling ...
iPhone 15 Blue Three Quarters Perspective Camera Closeup Feature

6 Essential iPhone Camera Tips for Taking Great Photos

Tuesday December 26, 2023 3:00 am PST by
Apple's iPhones include several headline camera features that are worth using, such as Portrait Mode and Photographic Styles. But if all you want to use is the standard photo mode, there are still several tools and settings that can improve the composition of your pictures and help you capture the perfect shot using more traditional techniques. Whether you are the owner of a new iPhone or a...
Apple Watch Series 9

Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 Sales Ban Paused by US Appeals Court

Wednesday December 27, 2023 8:49 am PST by
The ban on imports of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models has today been temporarily paused, meaning that the devices can now go back on sale for a short while longer in the United States. Apple filed an emergency request to the United States Court of Appeals following President Biden's decision to decline a veto on the sales ban, allowing it to take effect earlier this week. ...