Apple reportedly delays its planned smart display launch to fall

Source: Engadget

Rumors and Delay

Mark Gurman at Bloomberg reports that Apple is expected to postpone the debut of its smart home display until later in 2026, likely September when the company traditionally introduces new gadgets. Although the hardware has reportedly been finished for months, the delay is attributed to Apple’s ongoing AI‑centric overhaul of Siri, which is still incomplete.

Device Details

The device, internally known as J490, has been one of Apple’s poorly‑kept secrets. Rumors about a HomePod smart speaker coupled with a screen first emerged in 2022 and have resurfaced intermittently, often with promises of an imminent arrival. The latest claims had anticipated an official announcement this spring, possibly as soon as this month, but the AI strategy appears to be holding the launch back.

AI Overhaul and Siri

Apple has been working for more than a year to incorporate additional AI capabilities into Siri as part of its Apple Intelligence package. Gurman notes that the new timeline aims to complete the Siri revamp in time for the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro, also expected in September. Apple may unveil the long‑awaited Siri‑as‑chatbot during its WWDC keynote in the summer before it appears in any devices.

Source

This article originally appeared on Engadget: https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/apple-reportedly-delays-its-planned-smart-display-launch-to-fall-194539082.html?src=rss