Apple's rumoured Amazon Echo Show rival faces further delay, here's why

Apple’s much-anticipated smart home hub, initially slated for release this year, is now expected to launch in 2026, according to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The delay stems from engineering challenges with Apple Intelligence and Siri integration, which are central to the hub’s functionality.

The smart home hub, envisioned as Apple’s answer to the Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub, was designed to feature a 7-inch square display, a new operating system, and seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem. However, internal restructuring and complications with Siri’s contextual AI capabilities have pushed back the timeline. Apple is reportedly considering rebuilding some features from scratch to ensure reliability and accuracy.

Originally planned for a March 2024 debut, the hub’s launch was postponed to April and later to the fall. Now, Apple is targeting 2026, aligning the release with updates to Siri and Apple Intelligence.


What Apple’s smart display could be like
The smart display, described as resembling a square-ish iPad with a 6-inch screen, would serve as Apple's entry into a product category where competitors Amazon and Google have been present for years with their Echo Show and Nest Hub devices.

According to previous Bloomberg reports, the device features a front-facing camera, speakers, and a built-in battery. It's designed to function as a central hub for controlling smart home devices, offering intercom functionality and FaceTime video communication.

Despite the delay, Apple has progressed to advanced testing stages, with select employees now permitted to take the device home for evaluation and feedback. The postponement appears tied to Apple's struggles implementing its App Intents system, which would allow Siri to deeply integrate with both first-party and third-party applications and execute complex voice commands - functionality crucial for a smart home hub.