Apple is expanding the availability of its smart speaker to one of its most crucial markets. The company has confirmed today that the HomePod will be making its way to China this week. Customers in China and Hong Kong will be able to purchase the HomePod starting January 18th.
Apple had actually revealed in December last year that it would be releasing the HomePod in China come 2019. The device was later listed on the company’s local website as well. It has now followed up on that information with a confirmation that the device will be available for purchase in the country soon.
It’s a notable achievement for the company as it’s the first of major smart speakers from the United States to launch in China. Google and Amazon have yet to launch their own smart speakers in this lucrative market.
However, it’s not like customers in China and Hong Kong have been without the HomePod for so long. The device is already being sold through unofficial channels and third-party sellers in the country. However, Siri wasn’t available in the local language. That will obviously change with the official launch. Siri already has support for both Mandarin and Cantonese.
The HomePod is going to cost ¥2,799 or around $410 in mainland China.