Strategy Analytics is out today with more data on Q2 smart speaker sales. Previously, the firm said that HomePod had grabbed a 6% market share of 2018 smart speaker sales so far. A new report today suggests that even though HomePod has lots of room to grow, it is the best-selling smart speaker in the $200+ segment.
HomePod didn’t make the global list of the top five smart speakers, with 6% market share. But Strategy Analytics did reveal some interesting new details.
Director of Strategy Analytics’ David Watkins said that “Apple took a 6% share of shipments in Q2 2018 but it is the market leader in terms of revenue with 16% share and holds a dominate 70% share of the small but growing $200+ premium price band.”
While this is some bright news on HomePod for Apple, it is likely negatively impacting Sonos sales, as its $200-$500 smart speakers compete directly in the premium price segment. While Sonos brought AirPlay 2 and Siri support to a range of its products, HomePod offers the most seamless Siri and Apple ecosystem integration.
Companies like Bose are likely also being affected by HomePod’s strong sales in the $200+ market. If Apple does end up releasing a lower-priced HomePod in the future we could see the company capture more of the smart speaker market, and possibly before too long, the majority of profits too.
