Apple Might Delay Its Rumored New Smart Home Hub Until Next Year

Apple's rumored new smart home hub command center that was expected this year could be delayed, pushing its release all the way to 2026, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Apple AI Command Center Concept Mock 1 Textless
In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman revealed that Apple is "considering a delay until 2026" for the new smart home device. The main reason for the potential postponement is reportedly tied to "major engineering hiccups" with the revamped Siri voice assistant that will power the device.

Initially, Apple had hoped to release the product by now, and there were reports suggesting it might still arrive around the time of this year's iPhone 17 series launch in September. Now, those plans appear to be in jeopardy.

"The major engineering hiccups related to the revamped Siri voice assistant ended up delaying the product," Gurman wrote. "No big surprise there: The device will be primarily controlled by voice, and it depends on Siri and the underlying App Intents technology."

Despite the delay, testing of the device – code-named J490 – continues at Apple headquarters. A large number of employees are also reportedly testing the hub in their homes.

Gurman compared the upcoming product to the Google Nest Hub, suggesting it won't "make a big difference in terms of revenue" for Apple. However, he noted that it could set the stage for more ambitious products in the future.

One such future product, code-named J595, is already in development. According to Gurman, this follow-up device will add "an AI personality, additional sensors and a robotic arm that can maneuver the screen above your desk, kitchen counter or nightstand."

The delay of Apple's smart home hub ties in with the company's recent announcement that it needs more time to develop the promised more personalized version of Siri, which was previewed at WWDC 2024 last June. Apple stated these features would arrive "in the coming year," suggesting they won't be ready until sometime between iOS 19 in September 2025 and iOS 19.4 in March 2026.

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Top Rated Comments

clg82 Avatar
3 weeks ago
Apple should change it's name to "delayed", I picked up an S25 Ultra as a work phone and the OS, as well as the hardware etc....are comparable......and don't get me started on how different the AI experience is, it's night and day difference, it's actually quite odd to have a conversation with a computer....but seriously Apple needs to get their **** together.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nanorise Avatar
3 weeks ago
Oh look, another Apple treat,
Delayed again, not quite complete!
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
wanha Avatar
3 weeks ago
Why would anyone possibly want a robotic arm on their nightstan... ohhhh now I get it
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
stocklen Avatar
3 weeks ago

Oh look, another Apple treat,
Delayed again, not quite complete!
Don't give Gurman such power here.

Nothings been 'delayed' at all. Its a product that is unannounced, unseen, and Apple can release it whenever they like and it wont be 'delayed' at all.

Don't take what Gurman says as gospel and therefore 'oh this is now delayed".... on whose schedule, Mark, Apple's or your made up one....?
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
wanha Avatar
3 weeks ago

Apple should change it's name to "delayed", I picked up an S25 Ultra as a work phone and the OS, as well as the hardware etc....are comparable......and don't get me started on how different the AI experience is, it's night and day difference, it's actually quite odd to have a conversation with a computer....but seriously Apple needs to get their **** together.
You'll notice that this can't be officially delayed, since it was never announced to begin with.

Internal plans change all the time because the future is unknowable, including your plans and certainly mine.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kalixt Avatar
3 weeks ago
Does someone use Siri other than just "Hey Siri turn on TV ?". I tried to ask simple questions but there are only two scenarios - It provides answer in form of link on mobile or its just dead silence. Not even sorry I cant provide any info about your question. This is parody to voice assistant.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)