Apple was initially anticipated to unveil its new Home product, commonly referred to as the ‘HomePad’, this month. However, recent reports indicate that development hurdles related to the new Siri capabilities have led to delays. According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the anticipated redesign of iOS 19 might also be contributing to the postponement of the HomePad's launch.
Ming-Chi Kuo highlighted in a post on X that the software complications affecting the HomePad are not solely tied to AI features. He previously predicted that the mass production of the new display-equipped HomePod would shift from the first quarter of 2025 to the third quarter of 2025, following the annual WWDC event. This change is attributed to ongoing software development challenges.
In addition to the issues with Apple Intelligence, Kuo pointed out that there are concerns about ensuring that the HomePod’s interface is compatible with the new operating system updates, such as iOS 19, which are set to launch across Apple devices in the second half of 2025. This compatibility is vital for integrating new products seamlessly into Apple’s expansive ecosystem.
Kuo had predicted back in December that software-related issues would delay the launch of Apple’s “display-equipped HomePod” until the third quarter of 2025. At that time, Mark Gurman was suggesting that the device would be released in March. Even as that date began to shift, many speculated that the HomePad could still debut in the spring.
It was widely believed that the software challenges hindering the HomePad's release were predominantly linked to the anticipated AI functionalities of Siri. The new device is designed to leverage the AI capabilities initially slated for iOS 18.4, which have now officially been postponed until “sometime in the coming year.” However, Kuo's latest insights suggest that Siri's development is just one aspect of the broader complications.
The expected major redesign of iOS 19 is another crucial factor contributing to the delay. As noted by 9to5Mac, it is logical for Apple to align the user interfaces across its products, particularly since this is a significant goal for iOS 19, macOS 16, and other upcoming updates. Yet, Kuo’s rationale does not entirely justify the postponement of a major product launch.
While the challenges in developing Siri are noteworthy, if the new homeOS that the HomePad will operate on provides a glimpse into the features of iOS 19, it may not necessarily be disadvantageous. Unless Apple anticipates that the design of iOS 19 will undergo significant changes during the beta season this summer, it could be more efficient to delay the release of homeOS until the design is more finalized. This approach would save Apple from the potential hassle of redesigning homeOS elements post-launch.
What are your thoughts on Kuo’s explanation for the delay of the HomePad? We invite you to share your opinions in the comments below. For those looking to enhance their smart home experience, don't forget to check out the best HomeKit smart home accessories available today!
