Apple fans hoping for a new smart home controller this year will need to wait a little longer. The tech giant has delayed the launch of its much-anticipated Home Hub, now expected to arrive in 2026 instead of late 2025.
Siri Integration Behind the Delay
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the delay stems from unfinished upgrades to Siri. Apple planned to power the Home Hub with new Siri features that would allow it to interact more deeply with personal data and app functions. However, those Siri improvements—originally scheduled for iOS 18.4—have not yet rolled out.
These updates are designed to enhance Siri’s intelligence using Apple’s upcoming App Intents technology. The goal is to make Siri smarter in handling tasks around the home, such as adjusting lights or answering personal queries using data from your device. Without these features, the Home Hub cannot operate as intended.
A History of Setbacks
This isn’t the first time Apple has pushed back the project. Earlier in 2025, Gurman hinted at similar delays tied to Siri’s development. While he was hopeful in January that the Home Hub would launch by year-end, his latest report points firmly to 2026.
Despite the setbacks, Apple continues to test the device internally. Reports in March claimed that some Apple employees were already using early versions of the Home Hub in real-world conditions.
What to Expect from the Home Hub
Although Apple hasn’t officially announced the product, leaks suggest the Home Hub will feature a screen similar in size to the iPad mini. A recent developer beta of iOS 18.6 even included code hinting at a 2,176-pixel-wide display—likely meant for the device.
