National

Sneak Peek

Axios Sneak Peek

Apple announced in a statement Friday that its HomePod smart speaker won't be ready in time for its initial December release date, adding that the production process needs "a little more time." A company spokesperson told TechCrunch that the new plan is to start shipping in the U.S., U.K. and Australia in 2018.

Why it matters: The delay is a hit to Apple, whose original plan was to coincide with the $350 speaker's release with the Christmas rush.

Apple moves HomePod release to early 2018, missing Christmas rush

 A company spokesperson said it will start shipping in the U.S., U.K. and Australia in 2018.

Apple CEO Tim Cook introduces the HomePod speaker at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in June. Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP

Technology

Business

Apple announced in a statement Friday that its HomePod smart speaker won&#x27;t be ready in time for its initial December release date, adding that the production process needs &quot;a little more time.&quot; A company spokesperson told TechCrunch that the new plan is to start shipping in the U.S., U.K. and Australia in 2018.Why it matters: The delay is a hit to Apple, whose original plan was to coincide with the $350 speaker&#x27;s release with the Christmas rush.

From the Valley to D.C., Big Tech players like Facebook, Google and Amazon are under more scrutiny than ever as new technology develops and privacy and antitrust concerns grow in lockstep with companies’ ambitions.

Apple moves HomePod release to early 2018, missing Christmas rush

Go deeper