Apple was initially expected to unveil a new Home device this month, which I’ve referred to as ‘HomePad.’ However, recent reports indicate that delays have arisen due to Apple facing difficulties in developing new Siri features. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, it appears that the revamped design of iOS 19 might also be contributing to HomePad’s postponed launch.
Software challenges with HomePad extend beyond AI functionalities
Ming-Chi Kuo shared in a post on X:
Three months ago, I anticipated that the mass production of the new display-integrated HomePod would shift from Q1 2025 to Q3 2025 (post-WWDC) due to software development hurdles. Aside from Apple Intelligence, these challenges also encompass ensuring that the HomePod’s interface is compatible with new OS updates (like iOS 19) scheduled for release across other devices in the latter half of 2025. This compatibility is crucial for smoothly incorporating new products into Apple’s ecosystem.
Kuo had predicted back in December that software issues would result in the delay of Apple’s “display-integrated HomePod” until the third quarter of 2025.
During that period, Mark Gurman was still indicating a launch in March, and even as the date continued to shift, it appeared that HomePad might still debut in the spring.
Many assumed that the software complications affecting HomePad’s release were entirely tied to Apple Intelligence.
The upcoming device is expected to leverage the AI features of Siri that were initially slated for iOS 18.4 but have now been officially postponed to “sometime in the coming year.”
However, according to Kuo, it seems that Siri was just one aspect of the issue. The anticipated significant redesign in iOS 19 is also playing a crucial role.
DMN’s Perspective
It’s entirely reasonable that Apple would need to synchronize the user interfaces across its lineup, especially considering that this seems to be a major aim of iOS 19, macOS 16, and beyond.
Nonetheless, Kuo’s reasoning doesn’t fully justify the postponement of a flagship product. While challenges in Siri’s development are one factor, if the new homeOS that HomePad will utilize serves as a preview of what’s to come with iOS 19, I don’t see that as a disadvantage.
Unless, perhaps, Apple anticipates that the design of iOS 19 will remain fluid throughout the beta phase this summer. In that scenario, it might be trying to avoid the hassle of redesigning homeOS aspects post-launch by waiting until the design plans are more solidified.
What are your thoughts on Kuo’s explanation for the HomePad delay? Share your opinions in the comments.
