In early 2018, Apple unveiled its HomePod smart speaker to great acclaim But then the problems began

Shortly after launch, reports began coming in that HomePod was leaving a white ring on furniture, and Apple quickly confirmed it; now that the HomePod Mini has arrived, people may be asking if that is still true The good news is that it isn't

The problem with the HomePod was that the silicone base, which dampens vibrations, could leave a white ring on certain oiled or waxed surfaces, typically wood This problem is not limited to the HomePod; other speakers, including the Sonos One and Google Home Max, have experienced similar issues

According to YouTuber and Apple expert Rene Ritchie, Apple has said it has taken this issue into consideration this time around, and the HomePod Mini will not leave a nasty white ring on the table

Apple's official position on the original HomePod was that the silicone ring was responsible for the discoloration of the furniture, but it is not clear what changes were made this time around The oils would "diffuse" between the base and the table surface, but Apple claimed that the ring would disappear on its own or with a gentle wipe

Presumably, the HomePod Mini uses a different material for the base to prevent this from happening again It also saves you from having to buy a special mat to prevent the speaker from scratching your coffee table If you are still really concerned, you can avoid placing them directly on a wooden surface

The HomePod Mini came out on November 16 for $99, and our review of the HomePod mini found it to offer great audio for its size and price However, it is not without its limitations, such as lack of streaming support and no physical microphone button