Apple has acknowledged that the HomePod’s silicone base can leave behind a white ring on some oiled wooden surfaces, of the kind often found in high-end furniture, after various reviews remarked on the issue.
Harking back to Steve Jobs’ infamous “You’re Holding It Wrong” reply to iPhone 4 antennagate to a user via email: “Just avoid holding it in that way,” Apple has updated their “Cleaning and taking care of HomePod” support document with the following advice:
It is not unusual for any speaker with a vibration-damping silicone base to leave mild marks when placed on some wooden surfaces. 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.
https://twitter.com/viticci/status/963832334846918656/photo/1
#homepod left rings on my wood furniture in less than 20 minutes of use. Thanks #apple I am glad a paid $400 to make perfect etched circles on my more expensive furniture. Guess I can not move it now to cover up the mark. Evil geniuses you are. #applesupport pic.twitter.com/eZng16barS
— Guy San Francisco (@Guyinsf415) February 10, 2018
MacDailyNews Take: Once again the pitfalls of secrecy are exposed. That Apple tested HomePods in employee’s homes where, one might assume, much high-end, well-oiled furniture abounds (from Jony Ive’s multi-million-dollar mansion on down the line), and not one Apple employee noticed (or, if they did, felt the need to mention) this issue shows that Apple’s testing sample was again too small and/or not rigorous enough.
If you’re experiencing HomePod rings on wood, check out Bonavida’s Leather Coasters ($16.95 via Amazon) which, at 4-inches in diameter, are the perfect size for HomePod’s silicone base.
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