Apple’s long-rumored smart home display has reportedly been delayed once again, with the company’s next-generation AI-powered Siri said to be the main reason behind the setback.
According to a Bloomberg report, Apple has pushed the launch of its upcoming smart home device from an expected early 2026 debut to September 2026, aligning it with the company’s annual iPhone launch event.
Siri’s AI Upgrade Is Holding Everything Back
The report claims the hardware itself is largely complete, but Apple is waiting for its redesigned Siri experience before bringing the device to market.
Internally known by the codename J490, the smart display was reportedly planned for an earlier launch before Apple decided to delay it until the new AI-powered Siri is ready. The upgraded assistant is expected to play a central role in how users interact with the device, making software readiness more important than hardware availability.
Apple has been working to improve Siri’s conversational abilities as competition in the AI assistant space continues to intensify.
A Home Hub Designed Around Apple Intelligence
The upcoming device is expected to combine elements of an iPad and a HomePod into a compact smart home hub.
Reports suggest it will feature:
- A square touchscreen display
- Support for wall mounting or attachment to a speaker base
- A user interface inspired by Apple Watch
- Facial and voice recognition for personalized experiences
- Smart home controls powered by Siri
The facial recognition system is also expected to identify different household members and automatically display personalized information as they approach the screen.
Apple Faces Growing Competition
Apple enters a market that has become increasingly competitive.
Both Amazon and Google have significantly expanded their AI-powered smart home ecosystems, introducing more conversational assistants and deeper smart home integrations. Apple’s delayed rollout highlights the company’s cautious approach as it works to modernize Siri before introducing new AI-focused hardware.
Launch Expected Alongside New iPhones
If the report proves accurate, Apple’s smart home display could debut during the company’s September 2026 hardware event alongside the next generation of iPhones.
While Apple has not officially confirmed the device or its launch timeline, the delay suggests the company views its AI-powered Siri experience as a critical part of the product, choosing to wait until the software is ready rather than launching with unfinished features.
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