Apple[1] is reportedly planning a cheaper version of its Siri-powered HomePod[2] smart speaker, though it will be under the Beats[3] brand. Just months after the official launch[4] of HomePod at $349 (roughly Rs. 22,800), it was rumoured[5] that Apple is set to bring a cheaper version, but it is the first time that it is reported to come with the Beats brand. The latest report says that the Cupertino giant is having talks with MediaTek[6] about manufacturing a new model that would cost $199 (roughly Rs. 13,600) when it goes on sale. Separately, another new report estimates that Apple's first Glasses[7] will arrive in late 2021, about a year later than expected.
The latest rumour about a cheaper smart speaker from Apple comes just a month after it was reported that the company had lowered sales forecasts and cut orders[8] for the HomePod smart speaker due to its slow market performance. According to a new report[9] in Loveios, out of Apple's supply chain[10] via Sina, the company is said to be planning a $199 HomePod under its Beats brand and in talks with MediaTek for the cheaper HomePod device, which when compared is significantly less than the price tag the HomePod carries.
Notably, Apple owns Beats and its audio technologies since 2014, so it isn't a surprising move. Additionally, with the higher price tag, it could get increasingly tough for Apple to compete against Amazon[11] and Google[12], whose smart speakers' prices start at a much lower value. However, since there is no official information from the company, the report should be...