Apple HomePod Receives FCC Approval, Hints at Imminent Launch

Apple unveiled its Siri-powered smart speaker, the HomePod, dorsum in June last year, merely the device's release date was pushed from December 2017 to 'early 2018' due to some reasons. It now appears that Apple tree's smart speaker is nearing its launch every bit the device has received the regulatory blessing of FCC (Federal Communications Commission), which is a clear sign that the smart speaker is finally gear up to hit the marketplace.

The product ID assigned by the FCC to the HomPod is BCG-A1639, of which, the 'BCG' part signifies the grantee code and the 'A1639' role is the model number carried by the device. As per a diagram in the documents published by FCC, Apple'south HomePod will bear the necessary regulatory data on its bottom panel.

Apple HomePod Gets FCC Nod Ahead of Launch

At the HomePod'south launch consequence last yr, Apple revealed that its smart speaker volition hit the market in December 2017, but a few months later, the visitor announced that the HomePod's release date has been moved to early 2018. Apple reasoned that it needs more time to fine-tune the smart speaker before it's ready for the customers.

The FCC approval lends some brownie to a previous report which said that Inventec, one of Apple's partners for assembling the HomePod, has started shipping the smart speaker, with the first batch containing effectually 1 1000000 units.

The Taiwanese visitor has begun HomePod shipments. However, acquirement contribution from the product to Inventec is expected to be express this quarter, as the initial shipment is not large.

Apple is withal to brand an official announcement regarding the HomePod's exact release date. But with FCC giving its stamp of regulatory compliance to Apple's smart speaker, the 'early on 2018' release appointment appears to be quite shut.