Apple has long been rumored to be developing a revolutionary product for the smart home market. This upcoming device is expected to feature a square 7-inch display, support for Apple Intelligence, and will essentially function as a command center for all things Siri and HomeKit. Although the launch was originally slated for this spring, various challenges have delayed its release. According to Bloomberg’s renowned journalist Mark Gurman, this innovative Apple smart home hub may finally see the light of day later this year.
To summarize, here are some of the most anticipated specifications for the new Apple smart home hub:
7-inch square display with a thick bezel Camera positioned at the top Rechargeable built-in battery Introduction of a new operating system: homeOS Strong emphasis on video applications, including FaceTime Support for numerous Apple apps StandBy-inspired dashboard for easy access Simple controls for your smart home devices Integration with Apple IntelligenceOne of the primary reasons for the significant delays in the launch of this product is attributed to Apple’s struggles with its AI initiatives. The smart home hub relies heavily on Siri and App Intents, which were intended to be fully operational by the time of the iOS 18.4 update. However, due to unforeseen technical challenges, this was not achieved. In fact, Apple has confirmed the delay, stating that the new features associated with Siri and Apple Intelligence will be rolled out “in the coming year.”
Earlier this year, Apple initiated an internal testing program allowing select employees to take the product home for hands-on experience. Initially, reports suggested that the launch could be pushed back until 2026. However, if Apple can resolve these issues by the end of the year, consumers can expect an exciting release.
In addition to the smart home hub, Apple is also working on a more sophisticated smart home display that is rumored to include a robotic arm and a “unique AI personality.” According to Gurman, this advanced device has also faced several delays and is expected to launch a “year or two later” than the smart home hub. He emphasized that this product is a “major priority at Apple.” However, to adhere to a tighter timeline, some ambitious features have reportedly been removed from the robotic home hub, although they may be reintroduced in future hardware upgrades.
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