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Apple’s much-anticipated smart home hub, which was rumored to launch this year, may now be delayed until 2026, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
In his newsletter, Gurman explained that Apple is still considering whether to push back the release due to major technical issues, specifically problems with the new version of Siri.
This device is expected to be mainly voice-controlled, so the delay makes sense since it relies heavily on Siri’s updated abilities and the supporting software framework.
Initially, Apple hoped to release the product by now, and there was even speculation that it might launch alongside the iPhone 17 in September 2025.
However, with the engineering challenges, those plans seem unlikely now. Gurman described the issues with Siri as a key reason for the holdup, which isn’t surprising given the device’s reliance on voice interaction for most of its functions.
Even though the launch might be pushed back, development hasn’t stopped. The device is still being tested at Apple’s headquarters, and many employees are also trying it out in their own homes.
Gurman likened it to Google’s Nest Hub, suggesting that while it might not be a huge moneymaker, it could open the door for more advanced home tech from Apple down the line.
In fact, Apple is already working on a next-generation version of the device, code-named J595.
This future model could include artificial intelligence with a more interactive personality, extra sensors, and even a robotic arm to move the screen, making it more practical in your kitchen, desk, or bedside.
The delay also aligns with Apple’s recent statement that it needs more time to roll out a more personalized version of Siri.
That improved Siri, shown off at Apple’s WWDC event in June 2024, is now expected sometime between the release of iOS 19 in late 2025 and iOS 19.4 in early 2026.
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