puggsly

larrya said:

I’m not sure analysts were so wrong about Apple Watch sales in 2015. Something convinced Apple to move from boutique shops in April, to Wal-marts by August. The HomePod is fatally flawed (only 1 streaming service, no stereo, Siri), just like the original watch (too slow, poor battery life, no gps).  It will improve over time, just like the watch did, but right now I have no interest in it and I don’t think I’m alone. 

I am! Apple Watch wasn’t at Walmart at first because Apple couldn’t make enough. As production ramped up they moved to mass market. They did improve the product year after year but the series 3 is essentially an evolution of the original. And analysts didn’t see the ramp path. The HomePod is similarly a great product that will continue to get better and yes will be replaced with a version 2 that will be even better. The foundation product is excellent and will likely be discounted for the holiday season. By which time stereo, and airplay 2 and probably some other iOS 12 features as well as more third party integrations will also push it forward. That will not prove the analysts or you correct, it will just show that most new products ramp up over time and few are overnight runaway successes. 
HomePod is a solid product that will grow over time and even if sales have stalled, Apple will be able to iterate because the core product is great.