May 26 2025 – Apple Inc., long rumored to be crafting a smart home device, has reportedly faced setbacks in bringing its highly anticipated product to market. Initially slated for a spring launch, the device—designed to serve as a central hub for Siri and HomeKit ecosystems—is now expected to debut by the end of the year, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
The proposed device, envisioned as a 7-inch square display with a distinctly wide-bezel design, aims to redefine smart home control. Early reports suggest it will feature a built-in camera positioned at the top of the screen, a rechargeable battery for portability, and a dedicated operating system dubbed homeOS. Beyond its role as a smart home controller, the device is said to prioritize video communication, with native support for FaceTime and a dashboard interface reminiscent of Apple’s “StandBy” mode. Users would gain seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem, including access to first-party apps and voice-activated automation for connected devices, all powered by Apple Intelligence technology.
The delay stems primarily from challenges in refining Siri and App Intents, features originally pegged for integration in iOS 18.4. Apple acknowledged these hurdles earlier this year, announcing that enhanced Siri capabilities and broader Apple Intelligence rollouts would be staggered over the “next 12 months.” To expedite testing, the company initiated an internal pilot program, allowing select employees to evaluate prototypes in real-world home environments.
Separately, Apple is reportedly developing an even more ambitious smart home device—a robotic arm equipped with “unique AI personalities.” Gurman notes this project, deemed a “top priority” at Apple, has also been delayed, with potential availability now projected for “one to two years” from now. Sources suggest the company has temporarily shelved some of the device’s most innovative features to meet timelines, though Gurman hinted these could resurface in future iterations.
For now, Apple enthusiasts and smart home adopters await clarity on how the 7-inch hub will balance simplicity with cutting-edge AI, all while navigating a competitive landscape dominated by rivals like Google and Amazon.
