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Two years after the original HomePod was discontinued, Apple has introduced the second generation of the smart speaker. The HomePod 2 looks essentially the same as the 2018 model, with a few minor improvements. But does the new HomePod look the same on the inside as the old model? That's exactly what this teardown video shows.
The YouTube channel Brandon Geekabit has a complete Teardown video of the second-generation HomePod released. While the HomePod 2 looks very similar to the original model on the outside, there are some notable differences on the inside. The most noticeable difference from the outside is the display on the top of the HomePod. The top of the new HomePod looks exactly like the HomePod mini. There is a large light in the center that changes color as the user interacts with Siri. On the original HomePod, the light is much smaller, although the surface area is slightly larger.
At the start of the teardown, another difference to the previous model is noticeable. The power cable of the HomePod 2 is removable but not only that - Apple now uses a figure-8 cable for the HomePod, which means that it can easily be replaced with another similar cable. The base of the HomePod 2 has to be removed to access the first screws.
HomePod 2 teardown: Five instead of seven tweeters
Interestingly, the base of the HomePod 2 still leaves ring marks on wood surfaces, just like the first generation did. After removing the mesh over the HomePod and the screws on the base, the top part of the speaker can now be removed. This was not easily possible with the previous model. As iFixit shows, the only way to get to the innards of the first HomePod was to cut open the case.
But the differences between the two HomePods go even further. As previously reported, the new HomePod has simplified hardware. There are five tweeters instead of seven and four microphones instead of six. Nevertheless, users agree that the sound quality is roughly the same as that of the original HomePod. Another difference is a built-in sensor that shows the current room temperature and humidity. At the end of the teardown, the YouTubers agree that the HomePod 2 is much easier to disassemble despite the similarities. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean that you can easily repair it yourself. You can watch the complete teardown watch here. (Image: Apple)
