Apple forced to postpone smart home hub due to Siri

Apple wanted to set a new precedent with its own smart home hub in 2025. The device was internally envisioned as one of the most important products of the year. However, there was one central problem: Siri. The voice assistant is the linchpin of the concept, but technical difficulties have caused everything to be delayed. A market launch in 2026 is now considered very likely.

Apple has invested heavily in its smart home ecosystem in recent years. HomeKit, Matter integration, and devices like the HomePod and Apple TV now form the foundation. What was missing until now was a dedicated hub with a display, similar to what Google offers with the Nest Hub or Amazon with the Echo Show. In 2024, there were many indications that Apple had just such a device in the works. Technical leaks, hints in the software, and initial reports from reliable sources left little doubt. But with each new Siri delay, it became clearer: the smart home hub isn't ready—and won't be released in 2025 either.

Technical details are basically fixed

The device was already described several times in 2024, and many technical details are now known. The plan is for a smart home hub with a 7-inch display surrounded by a rather thick bezel. A camera sits on top of the device, presumably for video calls via FaceTime or for room monitoring. It has an integrated battery, suggesting flexible placement in the home—even without a permanent power supply. A new operating system called homeOS is said to have been developed specifically for this device. It is said to be heavily influenced by existing Apple systems, but will offer a smart home-oriented dashboard similar to iOS's standby function. The focus is on easy control of connected devices, quick app access, and a central screen for things like calendars, reminders, media, or FaceTime. An A18 chip inside is said to provide sufficient processing power, including enabling Apple Intelligence. The smart home hub will be heavily focused on voice control. This is precisely where the central problem lies.

Siri is the crux of the matter

Apple wanted to release the new generation of Siri together with iOS 18.4. The plan was for the smart home hub to launch in March 2025, along with the new version of Siri. Apple had ambitious goals here: The voice assistant was to become significantly more intelligent, respond better to context, and, thanks to new app intents, be able to precisely control apps by voice. App intents are a framework that allows Siri to specifically call up individual functions within apps. For a device designed entirely for voice, this feature is essential. But there were already problems with the iOS 18.4 schedule. Apple internally postponed the new version of Siri to iOS 18.5 in May. Even that wasn't enough. Shortly thereafter, Apple confirmed that the launch of the new Siri would be further delayed. As things stand, Siri isn't expected to appear in its planned form until sometime in 2026.

Market launch not until 2026 – probably together with new Siri

According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, considered a well-informed source, the planned smart home hub is directly tied to the new Siri and the revised app intent architecture. Without these components, the concept won't work as intended. The device is designed for voice control, and without precise, reliable voice control, it would hardly be competitive. Gurman therefore no longer expects the device to be released in 2025. Instead, he expects a launch in 2026, possibly coinciding with the official rollout of the new Siri version.

Apple HomePad: Smart home hub still a long way off

Apple's Smart Home Hub remains on hold

Apple had big plans for its smart home hub, but the technical foundation isn't yet stable enough. Siri, in particular, as the core component, isn't ready for the market yet. The original target date of March 2025 has been postponed several times, and now everything points to a release in 2026. Technically, the device appears to be largely complete—but the crucial software is missing. Apple is relying on deep integration of voice control, and until this works, the product won't be released. An early market launch is virtually impossible. (Image: Shutterstock / Summit Art Creations)