Apple's Smart Home Hub Launch Delayed Due to Siri AI Upgrade Challenges

Advantage, Alexa - Apple's smart home hub reportedly 'postponed' due to Siri slowdown

That's because it relies on Siri features that Apple recently postponed Apple was reportedly looking to expand further into the smart home space in 2025 with a home hub device that would combine a speaker with a display, potentially making it one of the best smart speakers around. Unfortunately, there's been some bad news for those looking forward to it, as Apple has reportedly delayed the device for the foreseeable future. The news comes via Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman's Power On newsletter. There, Gurman explains that Apple "had hoped to announce this product in March." Yet with more than a third of the month already gone, that's now looking highly unlikely - and it seems to delays could drag on due to Apple's problems with rolling out its AI-infused Siri. Apple's home hub will apparently rely heavily on some of the upgraded Siri capabilities that Apple teased last June at its WWDC 2024 conference. Those features include understanding your personal context and performing in-app tasks. Yet news emerged last week that Apple would be postponing those features. In a statement to Apple blog Daring Fireball, Apple explained that "It's going to take us longer than we thought to deliver on these features and we anticipate rolling them out in the coming year." According to Gurman, Apple feels that the smart home hub is unviable without those missing features. That means we'll have to wait for the upgraded Siri experience later in the year before the hub makes an appearance. And it could get worse. In a report released last week, Gurman stated that some senior Apple execs are so concerned about the state of Siri's promised features that the entire system might have to be scrapped and rebuilt from the ground up. If that happens, the features might not arrive until 2026. That could potentially mean Apple losing significant ground against rivals like Amazon. The company recently announced the Alexa+ smart home assistant, which infuses Amazon's home devices with artificial intelligence (AI) powers. That's exactly the area Apple's smart home hub is targeting, and Apple won't want to lose too much of the initiative here. That said, it sounds like the hardware of Apple's home hub is closer to a finished state than its software. Gurman reported in his Power On newsletter that select Apple employees have been taking the hubs home for in-situ testing and evaluation. That suggests that the device itself isn't too far from being ready, even if its Siri software is a long way off. As for when we'll see this product hit store shelves, that's anyone's guess. If Apple can perform a miracle and fix up Siri in the coming months, we might not have to wait too long. But judging by Gurman's reporting, we may have a lengthy delay on our hands.

Apple's AI hiccups might have delayed its iPad-like smart home hub

It was late in 2024 when we first heard rumors of a new HomeKit device that would essentially blend a HomePod and iPad, and serve it atop an AI software platter. It was later reported that Apple is developing two versions of this device, and one of them could arrive in 2025. It seems those plans have been pushed further into the future, thanks in no part to Apple's struggles with AI development. "At one point, the company had hoped to announce this product in March. But because the device, to an extent, relies on the delayed Siri capabilities, it has been postponed as well," says a Bloomberg report. Recommended Videos Currently in development under the codename "J490," the device is said to resemble a wall tablet that will also serve as a showcase for Apple Intelligence. It is unclear how long the delay runs, but if Apple's updated plans for a next-gen Siri release are anything to go by, the device could possibly launch next year to avoid any further bad press. The delay seems squarely tied to advanced voice interactions and how Siri will get tasks done across different apps. "The hardware was designed around App Intents, a system that lets AI precisely control applications and tasks, which is set to debut in the coming months," Bloomberg reported in November last year. Please enable Javascript to view this content Apple is yet to release the App Intent system, which allows Siri to integrate deeply with in-house as well as third-party apps, and execute tasks using voice commands. The idea is not too different from Gemini extensions, which allows Google's AI assistant to not only interact with apps such as Gmail and Docs, but also third-party apps such as Spotify. The app intent system is one of the most conspicuous delays in the Siri armory, alongside advanced natural language conversation capabilities. These features are expected to arrive next year, and it seems the delayed rollout plan for Siri's next-gen avatar with the aforementioned features has also pushed the smart home hub. On a positive note, Apple is said to have reached advanced levels of testing and is allowing a select few employees to take it home for sourcing feedback. The smart home device reportedly features a 6-inch screen and looks like a square-ish iPad. It has a front-facing camera, speakers, and a built-in battery. The big draw is going to be its appeal as a centralized command center for controlling all connected smart home devices. It will also offer an intercom system, while FaceTime will enable a video feed for face-to-face communication. The device could be priced in the $130-230 ballpark to compete with rival products from the likes of Amazo and Google's Nest. Talking about Amazon, it recently unveiled an astonishingly upgraded AI assistant called Alexa+ turbocharged by generative AI capabilities, and will soon launch a fresh slate of smart home devices, as well.

Apple's plans for a smart display suffer a Siri-related setback

It's been rumored for months now that Apple was planning to release a device early this year that would serve as a smart home hub with a display, similar to devices that its main smart home competitors, Amazon and Google, have both offered for years. The device is expected to be the first Apple smart home hub with support for Apple Intelligence. It's also rumored to run on tvOS and support native Apple apps like Calendar, Notes, and, according to recent rumors, compatibility with Apple's Messages app. Apple said last week that its upgraded smart assistant is taking "longer than we thought," and will be released in the "coming year," hinting that it may not be an iOS 18 feature as originally promised. The version of Apple Intelligence that we have now doesn't really offer any smart home features so Apple releasing a smart display that's wrapped up in the Siri AI upgrade wouldn't make much sense right now. Apple's competitors, at first glance, seem to be forging ahead. Amazon, which has had its own struggles integrating AI into Alexa, has announced it's finally doing just that with Alexa Plus, starting with its own robust Echo Show smart display lineup that most recently included the addition of the Echo Show 21. Google began its own similar rollout of Gemini in December, though only for some Nest speakers. But in both cases, they're limited rollouts and not truly in the public sphere quite yet.

Apple's Smart Home Hub Launch Reportedly Postponed Due to Siri Delays

The smart home hub may include AI capabilities via Apple Intelligence Apple has been rumoured to be developing a smart home hub for quite some time now. It was expected to be launched some time in March as the latest addition to the company's portfolio of smart home products but now faces a postponement, according to a seasoned journalist. This is attributed to the struggles faced by the Cupertino-based technology giant in developing a more advanced version of Siri, whose capabilities the purported smart home device may largely depend upon. This information comes from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In the latest edition of the Power On newsletter, the journalist highlighted that Apple initially had plans to announce its new smart home hub in March but those are now in jeopardy. Its debut is said to largely depend upon the company's development of the promised advanced Siri which the purported device would leverage. Until it launches, the iPhone maker has reportedly commenced an internal home testing programme, allowing select employees to take the aforementioned device home and provide feedback. Gurman previously claimed that it may be "Apple's most significant release of the year", one which would become the "first step toward a bigger role in the smart home." While details are scarce, past reports suggest that the purported smart home hub has been codenamed J490. It may also feature a touchscreen with a square display. Similar to the Apple TV interface, its screen is speculated to have a customisable lock UI with multiple clock faces. Reports hint towards the inclusion of video conferencing capabilities leveraging an in-built camera, along with hand gesture recognition as a control mechanism. Another reported feature of the purported smart home hub is user identification. Similar to the existing HomePod, it could allow users to make personal requests via voice commands. It may also have media playback capabilities and also work as an AirPlay receiver. Its launch is also expected to make it the first Apple smart home device to offer AI capabilities, courtesy of the iPhone maker's Apple Intelligence suite. Speculated to be powered by the same A18 SoC as the iPhone 16 models, it may support the company's advanced Siri, which is said to be one of the reasons behind its postponed launch.

Apple's smart home hub launch reportedly pushed back, here's why

Apple has opened up internal testing, allowing select employees to try the device at home and provide feedback. Apple has been on a product launch spree, unveiling new iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and even the powerful M3 Ultra chip in just two weeks. But one product is still missing: the long-rumoured smart home hub. According to Bloomberg, Apple has delayed its launch, and the reason lies in the company's struggle with AI. The smart home hub, internally codenamed "J490," is expected to control smart home devices and feature an iPad-like screen. Apple originally planned to announce it in March, but the device likely relies heavily on Siri's AI capabilities, which have been delayed. The company promised major Siri improvements at the last Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), but those features are still not ready. Also read: iPhone 16 Plus price drops by over Rs 14,000 on Flipkart To make sure the hub works smoothly, Apple has opened up internal testing, allowing select employees to try the device at home and provide feedback. This suggests the company is still refining the product, possibly waiting to pair its launch with more polished AI features. WWDC 2025 is expected to be an important event where Apple can showcase its vision for AI-powered apps and services -- and perhaps set the stage for the home hub's debut. Also read: iPhone 16 Pro available with over Rs 13,000 discount: Here's where you grab the deal Meanwhile, Apple continues to explore new device categories. It's reportedly working on lightweight AR glasses, smart eyewear similar to Meta's Ray-Ban glasses, and even AirPods with built-in cameras to power AI-driven features. However, these projects are still in early development and may take years to become reality. The smart home hub delay might be frustrating for fans, but it shows that Apple wants to get things right -- especially when it comes to AI. And with the company doubling down on testing and refining the product, it's likely that when the hub finally arrives, it'll be worth the wait.

Kuo: 'HomePad' delayed to post-WWDC to ensure iOS 19 design consistency - 9to5Mac

Apple was originally expected to launch a new Home product this month, which I've been calling 'HomePad.' However, reports have pointed to delays related to Apple's challenges developing new Siri capabilities. Now, per Ming-Chi Kuo, it seems that iOS 19's new design might be related to HomePad's delayed launch too. Ming-Chi Kuo writes in a post on X: Three months ago, I predicted that mass production of the new display-equipped HomePod would slip from 1Q25 to 3Q25 (after WWDC) due to software development issues. Beyond Apple Intelligence, the issues also involve ensuring the HomePod's interface aligns with new OS updates (like iOS 19) set to roll out across other devices in 2H25. This alignment is essential for seamlessly integrating new products into Apple's ecosystem. Kuo did predict back in December that software issues would push back Apple's "display-equipped HomePod" into the third quarter of 2025. At the time, Mark Gurman was still reporting the device would launch in March, and even when that date started slipping for him, it seemed as though HomePad could still launch some time in the spring. Many of us assumed that the software issues plaguing HomePad's release were entirely related to Apple Intelligence. The new device is expected to tap into the AI Siri capabilities that were originally planned for iOS 18.4, but have now been officially delayed until some time "in the coming year." But now, per Kuo, it sounds like Siri was only one part of the complication. The expected major redesign coming in iOS 19 is another key component. It makes a lot of sense that Apple would need to align the user interfaces across its products, especially since that sounds like a major goal of iOS 19, macOS 16, and more. However, Kuo's explanation doesn't necessarily justify delaying a major product. Siri's development challenges are one thing, but if the new homeOS that HomePad will run offers a sneak peek of what's coming with iOS 19, I don't see how that's a bad thing at all. Unless, perhaps, Apple expects iOS 19's design to be in flux over the beta season this summer. In that case, maybe it wants to save itself the trouble of redesigning homeOS elements after the fact by just shipping the new OS once its design plans are more stable. What do you make of Kuo's HomePad delay explanation? Let us know in the comments.

Apple HomePod with display now rumored for late 2025 launch

Apple is supposed to launch at new HomePod with a display at some point this year...or maybe in 2026. In December, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed that Apple had postponed its smart home hub until the third quarter of 2025 (July through September). Today, he reiterated that claim saying that the "display equipped HomePod would slip from" the first quarter to the third. Kuo says that the delay is due to Apple Intelligence delays, mostly surrounding a revamped Siri, but also iOS updates. "The issues also involve ensuring the HomePod's interface aligns with new OS updates (like iOS 19)," he wrote. The rumored device is supposed to sport a 6- to 7-inch display and probably be powered by an A18 chip. At issue here are two different software challenges. Apple has been struggling with its revamped Siri and adding capable AI features to the voice assistant. The company recently confirmed that Siri 2.0 is delayed saying "it's going to take us longer than we thought." An Apple spokeperson said that Apple anticipated the updates would rollout "in the coming year." It all aligns with recent reports from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman who said the redesigned HomePod is being postponed because it "relies on the delayed Siri capabilities." As Kuo mentions, Apple needs to make sure the its smart home hub also works with iOS 19, which normally wouldn't be a problem. However, Apple is expected to bring the 'most dramatic overhaul' in Apple history to its operating systems with iOS 19. It's a potential major redesign meant to make the iPhone, Mac and iPad systems look more similar and might be inspired by the Apple Vision Pro.