Rumors about a robust Apple smart home hub, possibly dubbed the HomePad, have been rolling around the Apple-sphere for a couple of years. Unfortunately, this device has been repeatedly delayed thanks to Apple's ongoing struggles with AI and the long-awaited Siri 2.0 revamp. Now though, a pair of new leaks indicate that the HomePad has been delayed yet again, but they also revealed several potential new features.Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple delayed the smart home hub to "later this year" because of Apple's struggles with AI. Allegedly, Apple wanted to release the hub this month alongside the revamped Siri 2.0 that was supposed to be released with iOS 26.4. Testing delays pushed that launch back again though.According to Gurman, the device itself has been ready for "several months," but the AI software issues have scuttled release plans. He now claims that Apple wants to launch the device in September, possibly alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models and iPhone Fold.That appears to agree with a leak from X user Kosutami, who suggested that the HomePad would launch this Fall.
What can the HomePad do?
We know a bit about the device and what Apple wants it to do with AI. Kosutami posted recently that the HomePad might feature a MagSafe wall mount which would allow you to move it between your wall and a base.The device is supposed to have a 7-inch display and look like an iPad attached to a speaker base. Gurman claims that Apple has several Home devices in the works, including a display-less version, new Apple TV hardware, and a version with a 9-inch display connected to a robotic arm.
AI-powered Siri integration is supposed to be a major part of how the device works. It would tap your personal information to fulfill requests from controlling other smart home devices to acting as an Alexa-esque chatbot.Apple reportedly wants to develop an entire smart home ecosystem. But again, the issue is that it's all based around tvOS software that requires Siri to work better. Apple has yet to crack AI shown in its desperate partnerships with OpenAI and later this year, integrating Google's Gemini model into Siri. If Apple can finally figure it out, we should see the HomePad later this year. If not, we'll report on any other delays as they happen, so stay tuned to Tom's Guide for all the latest Apple news.
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