Apple's next major smart home device hit with a major delay — it could be a while

by · tom's guide

(Image credit: Parker Ortolani)

We've been hearing a bunch of rumors about Apple's smart home hub, which was expected to arrive at some point later this year. But sadly, we already heard that this may not be on the cards anymore, and it all comes down to Apple's ongoing problems with Siri.

This news comes from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, and the latest issue of the Power On newsletter.

According to Gurman the hub was dependent on Siri features that were originally scheduled to be released as part of iOS 18.4. This would have let Apple's voice assistant utilize personal data, and recognize what was going on with a user's screen.

Apple’s first smart screen could still launch this year — but you’ll have to wait for the robotic version

Apple's AI rollout has not gone very smoothly — and this report details what's happened

Siri may not get an AI upgrade until next Spring — what we know

The hub also reportedly replied on the new App Intents feature, which gave Siri better control over apps and functions. This in turn allows the hub to be controlled via voice commands, and without it the hub isn't going to work as well as people would expect.

What's going on with Siri and the smart hub?

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Right now, we don't know what's happening with Siri's upgrades, and based on what Apple said at WWDC 2025 it doesn't sound like those changes will be happening this year. Without them, the Apple Smart Hub isn't going to be close to what Apple reportedly envisioned.

That's not to say Apple couldn't release some kind of smart home hub in the meantime. As we've seen with the likes of Alexa and Google, you don't need an AI chatbot to make a voice-controlled smart screen. But since this is now 2025, and AI is all over the place, Apple would be at a disadvantage.

Specs we've heard so far suggest this hub will have a 7-inch display with a camera at the top — suitable for FaceTime and other video call apps. The software is said to be the new "homeOS", with an interface inspired by StandBy mode on the iPhone. There's also expected to be a built-in battery, smart home controls, Apple Intelligence support and access to other Apple apps.

Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox.

Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors

Gurman believes that the hub won't be arriving until next year, possibly around the time the new Siri actually launches. Which would make total sense.

If Apple has delayed the smart hub because of issues with upgrading Siri, then it's logical to release that screen as soon as it's actually feasible.

More from Tom's Guide

See more Smart Home News
TOPICS
Apple

Social Links Navigation
UK Phones Editor

Tom is the Tom's Guide's UK Phones Editor, tackling the latest smartphone news and vocally expressing his opinions about upcoming features or changes. It's long way from his days as editor of Gizmodo UK, when pretty much everything was on the table. He’s usually found trying to squeeze another giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or complaining about how terrible his Smart TV is.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Logout

Read more

Apple’s first smart screen could still launch this year — but you’ll have to wait for the robotic version

Apple's AI rollout has not gone very smoothly — and this report details what's happened

Siri may not get an AI upgrade until next Spring — what we know

Siri 2.0 release window just tipped in new report — here's when it could arrive

Apple could hand Siri's AI upgrades to OpenAI or Anthorpic — what we know

Tim Cook defends Siri during Apple earnings call — ‘we need more time’

Latest in Smart Home

Belkin is killing off a bunch of Wemo smart home devices — see if yours is on the list

Act fast! Our favorite home security cameras are as low as $25 in these last-minute Prime Day deals

I spent a day in LG's Smart Cottage — is this the future of smart homes?

Never miss a Prime Day deal — how to set up notifications on your Alexa device

Google makes it easier to let family members use smart home devices

FeatherSnap Scout Bird Feeder review

Latest in News

5.4 million hit in major healthcare data breach — names, emails, SSNs and more exposed

Samsung Galaxy S26 leak just tipped huge shakeup — this model now looks dead

Claude can now connect to Google Drive, Canva, Slack and more — here’s how to try it

Comic-Con 2025 schedule announced: 'Star Trek,' 'Alien: Earth' and George Lucas' first-ever appearance

Apple's infamous trash can Mac is now classified as 'vintage'

From Chore to Choice: Taking the Work Out of Lawn Care with the Sunseeker Elite X7