Smart home: Apple's new home entertainment combo is launching soon — you'll want this in your living room
is making a significant push into the smart home space, with plans for advanced devices though fans may have to wait longer than expected. A highly anticipated smart home hub, rumored to blend a HomePod speaker with an iPad like display under a new homeOS, has been delayed into 2026.
The delay is reportedly due to the need for more development time for Apple Intelligence and the next-generation Siri assistant. These technologies are essential to delivering the responsive and context aware experience that Apple envisions. Rather than rushing an unfinished product, Apple appears to be doubling down on user experience, promising more polished and tightly integrated smart home solutions in the future.
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What the Smart Home Hub Was Meant to Be
The device, informally dubbed the 'HomePad' by analysts, was expected to revolutionize how Apple users control their smart homes. It was set to feature a 7-inch screen, quality audio hardware, a camera for video calls, and native support for Apple's smart home platforms like HomeKit and the Matter standard.
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The hub would have served as a central command center for lights, thermostats, security systems, and more while offering seamless integration with
iPhones
, iPads, and Apple Watches. A new version of homeOS was also rumored to debut alongside the product, creating a more cohesive smart home environment.
AI and Siri the Main Reasons Behind Delay
Apple's decision to delay stems from the platform's dependence on Apple Intelligence and an upgraded Siri both key to powering the kind of responsive and context-aware experience the company is aiming for. Developers report that Apple's AI tools, particularly the App Intents system, need more time to mature.
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Rather than release a half-baked product, Apple has chosen to hold off, ensuring that the hub will meet its usual standard of polish and user experience when it does arrive.
What's Next for Apple's Smart Home Plans?
Although this major product has been delayed, Apple isn't stepping away from the smart home market. In fact, it's preparing to launch three new home-focused devices in 2025, including an upgraded HomePod mini, an Apple TV refresh, and a wall mounted display.
Also in development is a new wireless chip, codenamed Proxima, which is expected to improve connectivity across Apple's home devices. These releases suggest that Apple is still fully committed to creating a robust
smart home ecosystem
even if its flagship hub takes a bit longer to arrive. As of now, all eyes are on 2026 for Apple's true smart home debut.
FAQs:
Q1. What is a smart home hub?
A1. A smart home hub is a device that connects and controls various smart devices like lights, thermostats, and cameras from a single interface. It simplifies automation and allows devices to work together seamlessly.
Q1. What is Siri's role in Apple's smart home plans?
A1. Siri acts as a voice assistant that lets you control smart devices hands-free. You can ask it to turn off lights, play music, or lock the doors.
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