Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has reported that Apple will be postponing the launch of its anticipated smart home hub this year. This decision is attributed to ongoing delays with Apple Intelligence Siri, and the company is reportedly contemplating a shift in the launch to as late as 2026 to address various engineering hurdles.
While this may not come as a shock, it’s still a disappointing turn of events.
To summarize, Apple has been developing a brand-new product category focused on home automation. Envision a device similar to the Echo Show or Google Nest Hub, but crafted by Apple. It was expected to come with a 7-inch square display, Apple Intelligence, and a unique operating system designed to integrate smoothly into your home setup. This device would have heavily relied on Apple Intelligence and App Intents.
However, numerous internal issues related to Siri have emerged. The company has officially deferred the rollout of its announced Siri enhancements from this spring to sometime in the upcoming year. Additionally, Apple has undergone some internal changes and is reportedly thinking about redesigning the features from scratch.
Apple’s initial foray into consumer AI hasn’t been particularly smooth, to say the least.
Originally, the company aimed for a launch in March. After some delays reported by Gurman, it was indicated that the product would debut in April or later. Now, the outlook appears much more concerning:
Initially, there was some hope that the setbacks would only push the smart home hub’s shipping date a few months — possibly aligning with the new iPhones. However, the company is now contemplating a delay until 2026, when the Siri features might be ready. Should this come to pass, it will be a letdown for Apple enthusiasts eager for the company to intensify its focus on smart home technology. Ultimately, this product is unlikely to significantly impact revenue; it’s essentially Apple’s take on the Google Nest Hub.
It is hoped that Apple does not abandon this product entirely. Gurman noted that this device is merely a precursor to a more advanced model featuring a robotic arm and additional capabilities, though that would likely come with a higher price tag. It would be great to see Apple start with a more accessible version.
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