Apple could delay the debut of its much-rumored smart home hub until 2026, according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman.
Gurman’s comments came in his latest Power On newsletter. He says Apple is “considering a delay until 2026” for the new smart home device, reportedly due to “major engineering hiccups” with the revamped Siri voice assistant that will power the device.
“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.”
Apple had initially hoped to release the product before now. Some reports have indicated the smart hub might still debut sometime around this year’s iPhone 17 series unveiling in September. Now, it appears there will be additional delays.
Apple continues its testing of the device – code-named J490 – continues at Apple headquarters. A large number of Apple employees are reportedly testing the hub in their homes.
Gurman said that just like Google’s Nest Hub, the Apple smart hub won’t “make a big difference in terms of revenue” for Apple. However, it could lay the foundation for more ambitious products in the future.
Gurman says one such future product, code-named J595, is already in development. Gurman says the device will add “an AI personality, additional sensors and a robotic arm that can maneuver the screen above your desk, kitchen counter or nightstand.”
