Apple's anticipated smart home hub has encountered another delay.

      John Higgins / Digital Trends

      Numerous rumors have emerged suggesting that Apple is developing a smart home display to compete with Google’s Nest Hub and Amazon’s Echo Show. Speculations indicated that the device would be Siri-controlled and might resemble a HomePod with an iPad screen.

      Initially, this device was anticipated to be launched this year, with early reports indicating a release in the first half. However, it was later suggested that its introduction could be postponed until the end of the year, potentially coinciding with the iPhone 17 series.

      In more disappointing news, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg (as reported by MacRumors) indicated that Apple is “considering delaying the smart home device until 2026.” Gurman stated in his Power On newsletter that “significant engineering challenges related to the revamped Siri voice assistant [have] caused delays in the product’s timeline.”

      “It is not surprising: The device will be primarily voice-controlled, relying on Siri and the underlying App Intents technology,” Gurman further noted.

      When could Apple’s smart home hub be released?

      It's uncertain when in 2026 the device might be launched, but this aligns with Apple's recent announcement regarding the delay of the revamped personalized Siri showcased during WWDC24. Apple mentioned that the updated Siri would be available “in the coming year,” which is expected to occur sometime between the release of iOS 19 in September and iOS 19.4 in March or April 2026.

      While Apple has yet to confirm the existence of the smart home device that Gurman suggests has been delayed, reports indicate it is codenamed J490, and several employees are reportedly testing it in their homes. It's believed that it may not significantly contribute to Apple's revenue, but it could lead to future related products, including one that Gurman describes as having “an AI personality, additional sensors, and a robotic arm that can position the screen above your desk, kitchen counter, or nightstand.”

      Currently, nothing is certain, but if the revamped Siri won’t be ready until later this year or early 2026, it makes sense that a device heavily dependent on Apple's assistant would also face delays until the experience is optimal.

      Britta is a freelance technology journalist with over a decade of experience in tech coverage.

      Apple preparing for ‘first entry into smart home camera market’

      Apple is expected to unveil a smart home security camera in 2026, as reported by Ming-Chi Kuo, a well-known figure with connections in Apple’s Asian supply chain. Kuo stated in an online post that “Apple is entering the smart home IP camera market, with mass production planned for 2026, aiming for annual shipments in the tens of millions,” noting that Chinese company GoerTek will be the exclusive assembly supplier.

      Apple’s smart display might aesthetically evoke the iconic iMac G4

      The anticipation surrounding Apple’s entry into the smart display market is palpable, and according to multiple reports from Bloomberg, we could see the first product available as early as 2025. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg’s latest PowerOn newsletter reports that the new device could draw inspiration from the classic iMac G4. “The screen is angled on a small base, reminiscent of the circular bottom ... from a couple of decades ago,” Gurman suggests.

      The next Apple HomeKit device could combine HomePod, iPad, and AI

      Apple HomeKit has traditionally lagged behind Alexa and Google Assistant, particularly lacking a smart display akin to the Echo Show 15 or Nest Hub. Rumors indicate that the company’s next device might change that. MacRumors reported that code found within Apple’s backend referenced something labeled HomeAccessory17,1. While this may seem minor, it’s noteworthy that HomePod is similarly referred to as AudioAccessory.

      There remain insufficient details for definitive conclusions, but an educated speculation suggests that the forthcoming device could be powered by the A18 chip and include AI-focused features. Apple is already planning to integrate OpenAI and Siri, and incorporating AI-driven intelligence into a smart home system could potentially offer unprecedented capabilities — potentially exceeding what Alexa currently provides, although Google Assistant’s use of Gemini might balance the competition.