Apple HomePod can stain surfaces it is left on, company says
If you're worried about marks, you should probably move your smart speaker somewhere else, Apple advises
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Apple's new smart speaker can stain the surfaces it is left on, the company has said.
Numerous reports online claim that the plastic bottom of the new smart speaker can leave a ring-shaped mark wherever the HomePod has been. The problem appears limited to specific woods that have been treated in particular ways – but when it happens, a visible white ring is left on the otherwise brown surface.
Now Apple has acknowledged the problem and said that many speakers that have silicone bases, which keep the vibration from rattling the surface, can cause this kind of discoloration. It only appears to happen on some wooden surfaces that have been treated by oils – but those surfaces are often used on kitchen worktops, and that represents one of the key places that people will be using the new speaker.
The problem should go away in a few days, once the speaker is moved away from the surface. If it doesn't, it should be able to wipe off when the surface is cleaned.
But the company suggests that anyone concerned about the problems leave it somewhere else. That's according to a new support article that aims to help people look after their new £319 speaker.
That might also include putting it on a coaster, the standard size of which can perfectly fit the relatively small base of the HomePod. Some have also suggested that the Apple sticker that comes in the HomePod box is the perfect place to rest the speaker, and yet more have pointed out that it's likely that third parties will create special holders for anyone wanting to keep their
"It is not unusual for any speaker with a vibration-dampening silicone base to leave mild marks when placed on some wooden surfaces," the support document reads. "The marks can be caused by oils diffusing between the silicone base and the table surface, and will often go away after several days when the speaker is removed from the wooden surface.
"If not, wiping the surface gently with a soft damp or dry cloth may remove the marks. If marks persist, clean the surface with the furniture manufacturer's recommended cleaning process. If you’re concerned about this, we recommend placing your HomePod on a different surface."
The support document also gives two other important pieces of advice. It suggests that the speaker should be kept away from all sources of heat – radiators and stoves, as well as candles or cigarettes that might set it alight – as well as anything that might get it damp, such as drinks, sinks, baths or pools.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments