It seemed like 2026 was supposed to be Apple’s breakthrough year in the smart home space. The company had long been preparing a device that could challenge the Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub. But instead of the long-awaited release — another delay. And why do you think? Because once again they failed to finish Siri. Because of this, Cupertino pushed back the launch of its smart home display to approximately September 2026.
Apple delayed the release of the smart display while waiting for new AI and Siri. Image: bloomberg.com
Why Apple Delayed the Smart Screen
According to Bloomberg, the device with the internal codename J490 was originally planned for release back in spring 2025. Then the date shifted to early 2026, then to March of this year. Apple expected to ship the display this month, anticipating that the updated Siri would be ready for launch. But that didn’t happen: yet another round of problems with the voice assistant forced another postponement of the release.
What’s interesting is that the hardware side of the device has been ready for several months. The hardware raises no questions — the problem lies entirely on the software side. Apple is deliberately keeping the product on the shelf until the software platform reaches the required level. Simply put, the company doesn’t want to release “hardware” without brains.
The Main Problems with Siri on Apple Devices
The thing is, Apple’s smart display is designed to be more than just a screen with a speaker. It’s meant to be a command center for the smart home, and voice control via Siri plays a key role in it. But the current Siri is frankly too weak for such tasks.
The release of the new device depends entirely on Siri. Image: appleinsider.com
Apple has long been working on a complete overhaul of its voice assistant. The new Siri will be based on large language models and will be closer in capabilities to ChatGPT or Claude than to the familiar assistant that can barely set a timer. Features the company promised back at WWDC 2024, including context understanding, awareness of what’s displayed on the screen, and deep integration with apps, have still not been implemented.
According to Bloomberg, the company had to rebuild the fundamental architecture of Siri literally from scratch. Some features are being rebuilt from the ground up to achieve stability and accuracy. That’s exactly why a product that could have originally appeared back in 2024 still hasn’t been released. At the same time, Apple claims that the new Siri will indeed launch in 2026. However, they naturally haven’t specified which version of iOS it will appear in.
What Apple’s Smart Screen Looks Like and What It Can Do
According to insider descriptions, the device resembles a compact iPad with a 7-inch screen in a square form factor. In size, it’s roughly two iPhones placed side by side. Apple is developing two versions: a desktop one with a speaker in the base in the style of the HomePod mini, and a wall-mounted one for stationary installation.
As if a screen was attached to a HomePod speaker
The display runs on an A18 chip and is powered by a new operating system (internally called homeOS). The interface is built around a clock face and Apple app widgets. A special feature is the presence sensor: when no one is nearby, the screen shows the time and temperature, and when a person approaches, it switches to a thermostat control panel or other devices. Moreover, the camera can recognize different family members and customize the interface for each one.
The device won’t have its own App Store, but it will be able to run built-in Apple apps: calendar, music, notes, reminders. The primary way to interact is voice, with the touchscreen serving only as a supplement.
What Smart Speakers with Screens Already Exist
While Apple has been spending years perfecting its product, Amazon and Google have long occupied the market. The Echo Show family has been evolving for several generations, and the Google Nest Hub has become a familiar gadget in millions of homes. Analysts note that Amazon has nearly a decade’s head start in this segment.
Amazon and Google feel right at home in this segment. Apple is still just knocking on the door
The expected price of the Apple device is around $350. For comparison, the Amazon Echo Show 11 with an 11-inch screen costs approximately $220. So Apple is asking significantly more for a smaller screen. However, Cupertino’s bet has always been not on price but on ecosystem: seamless integration with iPhone, privacy, and build quality.
The delay also affects other smart home products. Along with the display, Apple planned to release a home security camera, and in 2027 — a more advanced version of the display with a robotic arm. Now all these products risk being pushed back as well.
When Will Apple’s Smart Screen Be Released
According to the latest Bloomberg data, Apple is now targeting September 2026 — by which time the company expects to finish work on the updated Siri. However, given the history of postponements (2024 → spring 2025 → early 2026 → March 2026 → September 2026), this date should be taken with caution.
Would you put a device like this in your home?
Notably, Apple has already begun distributing pre-release versions of the device to select employees for home testing. This could indicate that the finish line is indeed close. Production will take place in Vietnam, and the assembly contract was awarded to Chinese company BYD, better known as an electric vehicle manufacturer.
Apple is used to entering new markets later than competitors but with a product that’s hard to ignore. This time, however, the wait has dragged on so long that the question is no longer whether the display will be good, but whether users will get tired of waiting.
