HomePod Found to be Leaving White Rings on Treated Wood Surfaces

[Maura]

MacRumors reports that many users have been posting pictures of white ring markings that have been left by their HomePods on wood surfaces. Following many complaints on social media and in various reviews, Apple has now been prompted to issue a statement on the matter.

The problem first came to the attention of the wider media after it was mentioned in HomePod reviews from Wirecutter and Pocket-lint.

“For our testes we placed the speaker on a solid oak kitchen worktop treated with Danish oil,” said Pocket-lint’s Stuart Miles. “Within 20 minutes the HomePod had caused a white discoloured ring to appear on the wood that some days later has faded, although still hasn’t completely disappeared.

“We subsequently tested the HomePod on other materials: the same wood that hadn’t been treated with Danish oil and a regular lacquered desk and haven’t seen the same issues.”

Apple replied to Pocket-lint that it is “not unusual” for a speaker that has a silicone base to leave a “mild mark” when it is placed on surfaces that have been coated with wax or oil. It is thought that the rings are caused by some sort of chemical reaction between the silicone and the treated wood.

Apple told Wirecutter that “the marks can improve over several days after the speaker is removed from the wood surface.” And if that doesn’t work, Apple suggests that you “try cleaning the surface with the manufacturer’s suggested oiling method.”

Image: Pocket-lint

Source: Apple Confirms HomePod Can Leave White Rings on Wood Surfaces With Oil or Wax Finishes