lucadelladora – Apple’s much-anticipated smart home hub, rumored to resemble an iPad, will not arrive until 2026. The device is designed to connect and control smart gadgets much like Google Nest or Amazon Echo. Initially, Apple aimed for a March 2025 release, but recent reports suggest a significant delay.
Mark Gurman of Bloomberg shared this update in his Power On newsletter. He explained that the hub’s launch now aligns with the arrival of Apple’s new AI-powered Siri, also set for 2026. Earlier this year, sources hinted at a late 2025 launch, but those timelines no longer seem feasible. Apple’s Siri upgrade is critical to the hub’s functionality. The AI enhancements will allow Siri to access personal data and interact more intelligently with user queries. These improvements were originally scheduled for iOS 18.4 but have been pushed back to sometime in 2026.
The delay highlights Apple’s focus on ensuring the smart home hub meets high expectations. Launching the device without the AI-enhanced Siri might have resulted in underwhelming user experiences. Instead, Apple prefers to release a product that fully leverages its new voice assistant capabilities. Apple confirmed the Siri upgrade delay in June. The company stated that the updated features would arrive only in 2026. This further cements the smart home hub’s postponed debut.
Siri’s AI Upgrade and Developer Framework Impact on Delay
In addition to the Siri delay, Apple is refreshing its App Intents framework. This developer tool allows apps to integrate closely with system features like Siri, Focus, and Spotlight. The update will enable Siri to control apps and device functions with greater precision.
Gurman’s sources suggest this framework update is another reason for the smart home hub delay. By enhancing app integration, Apple aims to create a more seamless and powerful user experience on the hub. Apple’s AI-powered Siri will be able to tap into personal information and content on the user’s screen. This will make voice commands more context-aware and personalized. Such features are critical for a device intended to act as a central smart home controller.
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The smart home hub remains a key part of Apple’s strategy to expand its ecosystem. Its integration with Siri and other Apple services could reshape how users interact with their connected devices. Despite the delay, Apple is taking a strategic approach. The company prefers to deliver a polished, intelligent product rather than rush to market prematurely. As a result, users can expect a smart home hub that leverages the full power of AI and app connectivity when it finally launches in 2026.
