Apple’s HomePod is a smart speaker designed for use with the company’s virtual assistant, Siri. It was first launched in 2018 and was praised for its sound quality and integration with Apple’s ecosystem.
Apple’s new HomePod speaker may still leave white stains on some wooden surfaces, according to a recent test conducted by YouTuber Marques Brownlee.
The issue was first discovered when the original HomePod was launched in 2018 and Apple acknowledged that the vibration-damping silicone base on its speakers could cause oils to diffuse between the silicone base and wooden surfaces, leaving mild stains.
In his test, Brownlee confirmed that the white second-generation HomePod could still leave stains on wooden surfaces, although they were fainter and took longer to appear than the stains left by the original HomePod. Apple has yet to update its support document to mention the second-generation HomePod and the issue does not affect the HomePod mini.
If you’re concerned about the HomePod staining your wooden surfaces, Apple suggests placing the speaker on a different surface or wiping the wooden surface gently with a soft cloth if the stains persist. If the stains are not removable, Apple suggests cleaning the surface with the furniture manufacturer’s recommended cleaning process.
Overall, while the issue is minor, it is something to consider for those who are concerned about protecting their wooden surfaces. If you’re worried about the HomePod leaving stains, it may be best to place it on a different type of surface, such as a coaster or a protective mat.