(FILES) This file photo taken on June 5, 2017 shows the New Apple HomePod smart speaker on display during Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in San Jose, California. Apple said November 17, 2017 it was delaying until early next year the release of its HomePod speaker set to compete with Amazon's Alexa-powered devices and Google Home as a smart home and music hub.The delay means Apple will miss the key holiday shopping season in the fast-growing segment of connected speakers. / AFP PHOTO / Josh Edelson
SAN FRANCISCO: Apple Inc has pushed the launch of its HomePod smart speaker to early next year from December, the company said on Nov 17, missing the holiday shopping season as the market for such devices becomes increasingly competitive.
"We can't wait for people to experience HomePod ... but we need a little more time before it's ready for our customers. We'll start shipping in the US, UK and Australia in early 2018," an Apple spokeswoman said via email.
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