While we may have to wait a while for the much-rumored Apple glasses and indeed for the Apple Car, the company continues to introduce new categories and change the technology industry.

Earlier this year, Apple shocked the world when it announced that it would discontinue the HomePod, after failing to compete with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

However, the launch of a new HomePod mini; a cheaper and less expensive version of the original device; could give Apple the path it needs to take the HomeKit ecosystem to the next level and allow consumers to build their own truly smart homes that listen, adapt and evolve based on user behavior.

HomeKit is not a new part of Apple software - it has been around since 2014 and a growing number of manufacturers support the technology - but to take advantage of this, you will need a HomePod. A hub device can greatly expand HomeKit's capabilities by inviting guests to use smart home accessories, create routines and more.

Because HomeKit integrates deeply into iOS and because Apple is rigorous when it comes to HomeKit product approvals, which means increased security, it is the preferred option for many.

As has always been the case with Apple, the more Apple products you have, the better it all works, and with the new HomePod mini, the company should bring more consumers to its mindset and ultimately helps the human interface to the next level.

We're still talking about pretty simple things today - turning on a light, playing music in every room - but over time, Apple will still have an ecosystem of billions of users that it can use to change the world.

In the coming months and years, as the HomePod mini grows in popularity with specials and deals from Apple, the company could be another winner and persuade consumers to move away from speakers like the Amazon Echo Dot and Google Nest Mini, more privacy - concentrated and improved smart speaker and home automation system, built into iOS and macOS.

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