Apple's planned HomePad, a new smart home device designed to combine iPad and HomePod features, continues to be delayed. Insider sources are now reporting a new timeline. The reason for the postponement is delays in the development of the redesigned Siri voice control, which is set to be a key element of the device.
Apple has been working on a smart home hub, internally codenamed J490, for some time. The product is intended to serve as a central control unit for connected devices in the home and simultaneously play media content. The original plan called for a market launch in March 2025. However, the technical foundation for this, especially the planned AI upgrades for Siri, were not ready in time. As a result, the HomePad has also been delayed – a new launch date for spring 2026 is now being discussed.
What is known about the HomePad so far
The HomePad isn't a typical speaker or a traditional tablet. Rather, Apple is planning an all-in-one device that combines the HomePod with a display. It will serve as a smart home hub, enable user interaction via touchscreen, and be controlled via Siri. The new version of the voice assistant is based on generative AI and is expected to be significantly more powerful than previous versions of Siri.
Delay due to Siri
The delay with the HomePad is directly related to the planned Siri updates. Apple is currently developing a completely redesigned version of the voice assistant that is designed to be more flexible, context-aware, and capable of dialogue. This technology is a central element of the HomePad. Without it, the device would offer only limited functionality. According to Gurman, Apple could theoretically have launched the HomePad without these new features, with a later software update. However, this approach is apparently not considered an option internally. Instead, Apple plans to release the device only when all planned features are ready.
New schedule: Market launch in 2026
The current status, according to Bloomberg, is that the new Siri features aren't expected to arrive until iOS 26.4 in spring 2026. Therefore, the HomePad won't be available until that date at the earliest. Gurman originally anticipated a release by the end of 2025. He now expects it to be in the first half of 2026.
Repeated delays
The HomePad's history is already marked by delays. Gurman first reported extensively on the device in November 2024, citing March 2025 as the target date. The fact that the device is now a full year later isn't due to the device itself, but rather to its dependence on the new Siri features. Apple is prioritizing the integration of this new AI-powered control and is delaying the entire product to ensure a consistent launch.
HomePad as a central control for the smart home
With the HomePad, Apple aims to create a central hub for the smart home. Its functionality will depend heavily on the new Siri, which is expected to play a more active role in everyday life. The delay suggests that Apple doesn't want to bring a half-baked solution to market. Until spring 2026, the HomePad will remain a rumor—with plenty of potential, but also high expectations. (Image: Shutterstock / RossHelen)
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