Apple’s highly anticipated smart home hub, informally referred to as the ‘HomePad,’ has been delayed until 2026, according to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, marking a significant setback for the tech giant’s smart home ambitions.The delay stems from setbacks in the development of a major Siri update, which Apple has prioritized to enhance its virtual assistant’s capabilities.
Why it matters: The smart home hub is designed to be the centerpiece of Apple’s smart home ecosystem, offering seamless control over various devices through Siri integration. The delay highlights ongoing challenges in Siri’s development and raises questions about Apple’s ability to compete in the increasingly crowded smart home market.
The Delay and Its Causes
Originally, Apple planned to release the Siri update alongside iOS 18.4, which launched last week. However, internal discussions about Siri’s development led to a rescheduling of the update, which has had a cascading effect on the timeline for the smart home hub.
- Previous Timelines: Earlier reports suggested the hub might ship in late 2025 following an unveiling at WWDC25 with iOS 19. However, these timelines now appear unlikely.
- Siri’s Role: The smart home hub heavily relies on Siri and App Intents technology to deliver AI-driven answers and actions. The delay in Siri’s update has directly impacted the hub’s development and launch schedule.
Features of the Smart Home Hub
The smart home hub is envisioned as a central command center for Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem. Key features include:
- iPad-Like Screen: A display integrated into a HomePod-like dock for easy interaction.
- Hands-Free Control: Designed to allow users to manage smart devices without physical interaction, relying instead on Siri commands and automation.
- Corporate Testing: Apple has been testing prototypes of the hub within its corporate headquarters and employees’ homes, signaling ongoing development despite the delay.
In addition to this device, Apple is reportedly working on a more advanced version featuring a robotic arm holding a display. This futuristic hub is expected to combine functions like videoconferencing, home security monitoring, and comprehensive smart home control. However, its launch is now anticipated for late 2026 or 2027.
Criticism of Siri and Development Challenges
The delay has reignited criticism of Siri, which has faced scrutiny for lagging behind competitors like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant in functionality and reliability. While Apple has marketed Siri as a cutting-edge virtual assistant since its introduction nearly 14 years ago, its development challenges have become increasingly apparent.
Apple’s decision to prioritize improving Siri reflects its commitment to addressing these issues but comes at the cost of delaying other products reliant on the assistant’s capabilities. Analysts suggest that this focus could ultimately lead to a more robust and reliable ecosystem but acknowledge that it may frustrate consumers eager for new smart home innovations.
Market Implications
The delay could have broader implications for Apple’s position in the competitive smart home market:
- Lost Momentum: Competitors like Amazon and Google continue to expand their smart home offerings, potentially gaining an edge while Apple refines its products.
- Consumer Expectations: Fans of Apple’s ecosystem may feel disappointed by the prolonged wait for a cohesive smart home solution, potentially turning to alternative platforms in the interim.
- Future Prospects: If successful, Apple’s focus on enhancing Siri could result in a more seamless and user-friendly experience when the hub finally launches.
Looking Ahead
While the delay may be disappointing for consumers and industry watchers, Apple’s commitment to refining Siri and ensuring a polished user experience could ultimately benefit its smart home ecosystem. As development continues on both the standard hub and its advanced counterpart, Apple appears focused on delivering innovative solutions that align with its reputation for quality and integration.
For now, consumers will have to wait until 2026—or later—for Apple’s next major step into the smart home space. However, anticipation is already building around Apple’s Smart Home Hub with Display Set to Launch in 2025, a device expected to redefine how users interact with their connected environments.
