• Some reviewers of Apple’s new $350 smart speaker, the HomePod, have noticed that the device can leave behind white rings on some wooden surfaces.
  • Apple confirmed to two outlets that the HomePod could damage oiled wood because of a reaction with the device’s silicone base.
  • While the marks may fade over time, it’s possible the surfaces would need to be refinished to remove the damage.

Early reviewers of Apple’s new HomePod smart speaker have noticed an issue with the $350 device: It can leave white rings on some wooden surfaces.

Reviewers at Wirecutter and Pocket-lint noticed that the HomePod left behind a semipermanent white ring on some wooden tables and countertops. Both said that the HomePod didn’t leave rings on every type of wooden surface but that it seemed to affect countertops or tables treated with oil.

Apple confirmed to both publications that the device could damage some surfaces but said the marks should fade over time.

Here's how Pocket-lint described it:

"When questioned, Apple told us it was 'not unusual' for a speaker with a silicone base to leave a 'mild mark' when placed on certain oil or wax based wood finished surfaces, suggesting the marks are caused by oils diffusing between the silicone base and the table surface."

Apple told Wirecutter that "cleaning the surface with the manufacturer's suggested oiling method" should remove the marks. If not, refinishing the surface would solve the issue - though that isn't a great option for anyone with high-end furniture.

As Apple pointed out, this most likely isn't a HomePod-specific issue. One person on Twitter said that the same thing happened to him while using an Echo Dot and that re-oiling the wood and putting a cork coaster underneath the device solved the issue.