According to the original plan, this product should have been launched. However, according to journalist Mark Gurman, the project has been delayed due to problems related to Siri and Apple Intelligence.
As a central device for the smart home ecosystem, this product needs to operate on an AI platform. Apple is aiming to use its own artificial intelligence toolkit to take on that role.
This also means that the device will be integrated with a completely new Siri version, which is expected to bring the virtual assistant experience that Apple users have always looked forward to. However, Siri has been delayed continuously. Apple Intelligence in general is also lagging behind its competitors.
In that situation, Apple was forced to adjust its AI strategy, and this caused Siri to postpone the release date indefinitely. Some insider sources say the new Siri may not even appear until 2026.
The delay of Siri also leads to delays in smart home center devices. This could be a positive signal for consumers, as they will have the opportunity to access a more complete product when it is launched.
But that is a "nightmare" for Apple when it continues to be left behind by competitors. Amazon has recently announced Alexa+, a paid upgrade for the Alexa virtual assistant, and said that the Echo Hub - its smart home control center - will be supported with Alexa+ in the near future. Other manufacturers may also quickly launch a product before Apple completes the Siri reconstruction.
All AI-related efforts seem to be causing a headache for Apple, and smart home center devices are no exception. However, there is reason to believe that if Apple can do exactly what they are aiming for, the market will warmly welcome this product.
