Apple has pushed back the launch of its rumored smart home hub (possibly to be called the “HomePad” or “Command Center” due to delayed Siri features, according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman.
It was expected to be unveiled this month or next. However, it’s purportedly postponed to the second half of 2025 due to the delay of a more personalized version of Siri with more Apple Intelligence features.
The device is expected to be akin to a HomePod with a display. Gurman says it will be “Apple’s most significant release of the year,” as it represents the company’s “first step toward a bigger role in the smart home.” Gurman describes it as a small, cheaper iPad-like gadget that lets you “control appliances, conduct FaceTime chats, and handle other tasks.”
This info from Gurman is from the free edition of “Power On”. If you like it, consider subscribing to Bloomberg.com—you’ll receive the newsletter earlier and get exclusive access to a Q&A section.
Here’s what a September report from 9to5Mac said about a HomePod with display:
° The device will be powered by an A18 processor.
° It has a squarish display rather than an iPad-ish rectangular design.
° It has a built-in camera that works for FaceTime and other video conferencing apps.
° The device uses the camera to identify hand gestures from a distance.
° The device can run apps and play media on its own, but it will also work as an AirPlay receiver.
