HomePod is Apple's first new product category since the Apple Watch. Apple's introduction to the smart speaker market will either be a huge hit or a slow burn.
The HomePod began preorders at 6:00 AM PT on January 26, but we don't know whether the HomePod will be in-stores on launch day or how many units are available for preorder.
Decide your HomePod color and quantity ahead of time
Unlike a lot of Apple's other product lines, there are only two choices here: space gray or white. A maximum of two HomePods can be pre-ordered per purchase. Though it won't be capable at launch, we'll eventually be able to daisy chain all of our HomePods together to create stereo sound and multi-room playback.
Use the Apple Store app, but have a second option ready as backup
If you don't already have it, download the Apple Store app to your iPhone or iPad and sign in with your Apple ID. Make sure everything is set up and ready to go. The Apple Store app is still faster than ordering via a web browser. This should be your first pathway to pre-ordering.
Do a test run
It's a good idea to do a test run purchase via whichever method you will be pre-ordering the HomePod. Pick something small, something you want anyway, like a smart light. Save it to your favorites, then complete the order process so you know for sure that everything is as it should be (your address is correct, your credit card on file is up to date, etc.).