Apple's next major smart home device hit with a major delay — it could be a while
And it looks like it's all Siri's fault
Here at Tom’s Guide our expert editors are committed to bringing you the best news, reviews and guides to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve!
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Want to add more newsletters?
Daily (Mon-Sun)
Tom's Guide Daily
Sign up to get the latest updates on all of your favorite content! From cutting-edge tech news and the hottest streaming buzz to unbeatable deals on the best products and in-depth reviews, we’ve got you covered.
Weekly on Thursday
Tom's AI Guide
Be AI savvy with your weekly newsletter summing up all the biggest AI news you need to know. Plus, analysis from our AI editor and tips on how to use the latest AI tools!
Weekly on Friday
Tom's iGuide
Unlock the vast world of Apple news straight to your inbox. With coverage on everything from exciting product launches to essential software updates, this is your go-to source for the latest updates on all the best Apple content.
Weekly on Monday
Tom's Streaming Guide
Our weekly newsletter is expertly crafted to immerse you in the world of streaming. Stay updated on the latest releases and our top recommendations across your favorite streaming platforms.
Join the club
Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.
We've been hearing a bunch of rumors about Apple's smart home hub, which was expected to arrive at some point later this year. But sadly, we already heard that this may not be on the cards anymore, and it all comes down to Apple's ongoing problems with Siri.
This news comes from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, and the latest issue of the Power On newsletter.
According to Gurman the hub was dependent on Siri features that were originally scheduled to be released as part of iOS 18.4. This would have let Apple's voice assistant utilize personal data, and recognize what was going on with a user's screen.
The hub also reportedly replied on the new App Intents feature, which gave Siri better control over apps and functions. This in turn allows the hub to be controlled via voice commands, and without it the hub isn't going to work as well as people would expect.
What's going on with Siri and the smart hub?
Right now, we don't know what's happening with Siri's upgrades, and based on what Apple said at WWDC 2025 it doesn't sound like those changes will be happening this year. Without them, the Apple Smart Hub isn't going to be close to what Apple reportedly envisioned.
That's not to say Apple couldn't release some kind of smart home hub in the meantime. As we've seen with the likes of Alexa and Google, you don't need an AI chatbot to make a voice-controlled smart screen. But since this is now 2025, and AI is all over the place, Apple would be at a disadvantage.
Specs we've heard so far suggest this hub will have a 7-inch display with a camera at the top — suitable for FaceTime and other video call apps. The software is said to be the new "homeOS", with an interface inspired by StandBy mode on the iPhone. There's also expected to be a built-in battery, smart home controls, Apple Intelligence support and access to other Apple apps.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Gurman believes that the hub won't be arriving until next year, possibly around the time the new Siri actually launches. Which would make total sense.
If Apple has delayed the smart hub because of issues with upgrading Siri, then it's logical to release that screen as soon as it's actually feasible.
More from Tom's Guide
- How to save money when buying smart home devices
- Google makes it easier to let family members use smart home devices
- Ring's new AI feature summarizes security camera footage for you — those alerts just got less annoying

Tom is the Tom's Guide's UK Phones Editor, tackling the latest smartphone news and vocally expressing his opinions about upcoming features or changes. It's long way from his days as editor of Gizmodo UK, when pretty much everything was on the table. He’s usually found trying to squeeze another giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or complaining about how terrible his Smart TV is.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
