Apple’s Nest Hub rival may be delayed again as Siri overhaul drags on

Source: Android Authority

Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

TL;DR

• Apple’s rumored smart home display may have been delayed yet again.
• The delay is tied to Apple waiting for its next‑generation Siri overhaul.
• A launch around September is possible, potentially alongside the iPhone 18 Pro.

Overview

Apple’s long‑rumored smart home display, codenamed J490, is expected to compete with devices such as the Google Nest Hub and Amazon Echo Show. A new report indicates the launch has been postponed while Apple finalises a major Siri upgrade.

Reason for Delay

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the launch was pushed back because the next‑generation version of Siri, which will power much of the device’s experience, is not yet ready. The hardware is reportedly complete, but Apple does not want to ship the product without the upgraded AI assistant.

• Source: Bloomberg article
• Related Siri overhaul: Android Authority coverage

Hardware Details

• Form factor: Square, iPad‑like device with a ~7‑inch screen.
• Mounting options: Wall‑mountable or attachable to a half‑dome speaker base.
• Features:
  • Facial recognition for personalized content (e.g., calendar events, music preferences).
  • Acts as a central hub for smart‑home control and information access.

The device is described in more depth in Android Authority’s earlier piece: Apple smart home hub.

Future Outlook

Apple appears to be positioning the display as the first step in a broader smart‑home hardware push. Bloomberg reports additional concepts in development, including:

• A version of the display mounted on a robotic arm.
• New HomePod and Apple TV hardware tied to Apple’s AI strategy.

Apple aims to have the revamped Siri ready around the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro later this year. If that schedule holds, the smart display could debut in September, potentially running a variation of the upcoming tvOS update.

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