Apple announced it will bring the HopePod (2nd generation) and HomePod Mini to Malaysia on 2024 05 10.

These are Apple Music and Siri-compatible smart speakers that also function as Apple’s smart home (Home Kit) hub.

HopePod and HomePod Mini can also check a room’s temperature and humidity and use them as an Intercom system to send announcements throughout the house.

Apple says they look great, sound excellent, and are built with security, privacy, and the environment in mind.

The whole spiel is available here. Now, to the important bit.

Pricing and Availability

The HomePod (2nd generation) costs RM1,549, and the HomePod mini costs RM529. They will be available from apple.com/my/store, the Apple Store app, and stores starting May 10.

HomePod (2nd generation) is compatible with iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later, iPhone 8 and later, iPad Pro, iPad (5th generation) and later, iPad Air (3rd generation) and later, or iPad mini (5th generation) and later. The latest version of iOS and iPadOS is recommended.

HomePod mini is compatible with iPhone SE, iPhone 6s or later, iPod touch (7th generation), iPad Pro, iPad (5th generation or later), iPad Air 2 or later, or iPad mini 4 or later. The latest version of iOS and iPadOS is recommended.

New subscribers can get Apple Music free for six months by purchasing any HomePod or HomePod mini.

Why?

My best guess is that Apple is bringing the HomePod and Hope Pod mini as steps to fill its portfolio here before launching its first official store at TRX.

This is because I don’t see the market for smart home speaker hub booming. Their rival mobile platform had tried it before and had entered the Malaysian market before them and it fizzled.

Perhaps Apple could bring the ease of use and synergy that the idea needs, but not at its current market share in the country.

That said, I think a dependable HomeKit compatible home security or doorbell camera in Malaysia could be the killer application that would push it over the hill.