With devices such as Echo Dot and Echo Show, Amazon continues to lead the smart speaker and smart screen market. However, according to Strategy Analytics data, due to the emergence of HomePod mini, Apple’s market share in this area has almost doubled. Strategy Analytics estimates that Apple shipped 4 million smart speakers in the third quarter of 2021, accounting for 10.2% of the integrated market for smart speakers and smart screens. In contrast, before the launch of HomePod mini, Apple’s market share of smart speakers and screens in the same period last year was estimated to be 5.9%.
The research company said that Google’s Nest Mini is the best-selling device in this field, followed by HomePod mini and Amazon’s fourth-generation Echo Dot. Bloomberg’s Mark Gulman said in his latest newsletter that he believes that Apple should launch a larger iPad as a home hub to compete with devices such as the Echo Show 15.
It is unclear whether Apple will release such a device, but Gurman did report earlier this year that Apple is exploring future iPads with larger display sizes. As for the HomePod mini, since its launch in October 2020, this $99 speaker has not been updated except for the new yellow, orange and blue colors. Based on the increase in Apple’s market share, the current HomePod mini still seems to be successful.