Apple’s Nest Hub competitor may be delayed as Siri’s overhaul continues

Apple fans have been eagerly awaiting a long-rumored smart home display that could rival devices like it Google Nest Hub or Amazon Echo Show. Those fans may have to brace themselves for some bad news, as a new report suggests that the device is once again delayed as Apple continues to work on an overhaul of Siri.

according to Bloomberg’s Mark GurmanApple has delayed the launch of a smart home display codenamed J490 The next generation version of SiriExpected to strengthen most of the experience, it is not yet ready. The device was expected to arrive soon, but Apple is now said to be targeting a release closer to September.

TIts hardware itself has been completed for several months, but Apple doesn’t want to ship the device without an improved Siri experience. Siri sits at the heart of Apple’s broader AI strategy, and the company has already pulled back on several promised features related to the assistant.

The screen is depicted as a square, A device like an iPad with a nearly 7-inch screen that can be wall-mounted or attached to a half-dome speaker base. It’s designed to act as a central hub for controlling smart home devices and accessing information around the home, and reportedly includes facial recognition that can identify who’s approaching and reveal personalized details like calendar appointments and music preferences.

The device is expected to be the first device in a broader push for smart home devices. Bloomberg reports that Apple is also working on additional products related to its AI efforts, including a display version attached to a robotic arm, new HomePod and Apple TV hardware.

Apple is now reportedly aiming to have the updated Siri ready when the iPhone 18 Pro goes on sale later this year. If this timeline holds, the smart display could arrive at the same time and potentially run a variation of the next version of tvOS, which is expected in September.