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Apple recently resurrected the full-sized HomePod, and a YouTuber disassembled it to discover that it is more repairable than the original HomePod.
The HomePod was reintroduced on January 18, nearly two years after the original model was discontinued. The second-generation HomePod retains the same size and form factor as the first, but with improved audio and Siri integration.
Brandon Geekabit of YouTube posted a teardown of the new HomePod, identifying the woofer, tweeters, temperature sensor, touch panel, and other components. The majority of the changes are on the inside of the device, with the exception of a removable power cord and an inset touch panel.
The video shows that the bottom panel is simple to pry off, and that special screwdriver tips are required to get past the initial T6 screws. Torx drivers for T3 and T5 screws, which can be found in most electronics repair kits, are also required during disassembly.
The HomePod 2023 has five rather than seven tweeters, and there are now four rather than six far-field Siri microphones. The new model also includes temperature and humidity sensors for smart home ecosystems.
Brandon was able to open the speaker after removing two layers of mesh fabric covering the HomePod and more screws on the bottom. He discovered a few changes in the new device that were previously unknown.
The entire video is worth watching, and Brandon mentions that the parts are “reasonably replaceable.” Unlike the iPhone, Apple does not sell official HomePod parts.