HomePod leaves marks on some varnished wood


Curious find by Pocket-Lint while using the Apple HomePod. Apparently, it may leave ring marks on certain wood surfaces.

Pocket-Lit:

The Apple HomePod speaker sits flat on any given surface creating a snug fit, presumably to help resonate and amplify the bass. It is this snug fit that could cause you problems however. For our tests we placed the speaker on a solid oak kitchen worktop treated with Danish oil.

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.


Danish Oil is a blended wood oil and water-proof coat. Apple said the issue is a reaction between the varnish and the silicone base on the HomePod. Danish Oil isn't a typical wood treatment on modern furniture and usually found on custom-made or restored antique furniture. I'll guess it won't be widely observed, but something to consider.