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Apple has prepared a new smart home device; however, its premiere has been postponed once again. According to the latest reports, the hardware is already ready for production, but the company is delaying its debut due to underdeveloped artificial intelligence-based software. The new device is set to go on sale only in the fall of 2026. The project, internally known as J490, is set to be Apple's first dedicated screen for controlling the smart home. The device is intended to serve as a central management panel for the entire ecosystem of home devices, from lighting and locks to calendars and video calls.
The biggest problem remains Siri
The main reason for the delay is the development of the new generation of Siri within the Apple Intelligence platform. The company has been working for a long time on expanding the assistant with features based on modern AI models; however, integrating new technologies with the existing system architecture is proving to be more difficult than initially anticipated. Apple engineers are still working on the stability of functions such as understanding screen context or more natural communication with the user. In many beta versions of the iOS system, some of the announced AI features have not appeared at all, suggesting that the technology is still not ready for widespread deployment. According to industry information, Apple is also considering expanding its partnership with Google, through which more complex queries could be handled by Gemini models when Siri is unable to provide an answer on its own.
The history of the project shows how much Apple's plans for the new device have changed. Initially, its debut was supposed to take place as early as 2025. The company then pushed the launch to the first half of 2026, tying it to a major iOS update. Currently, the most realistic timeline seems to be autumn 2026, when the next generation of Apple software with expanded AI features will debut. At the same time, Apple is also working on a more advanced version of the device with a movable arm and additional functions; however, its premiere is not planned until 2027.
How the Apple Home Screen Should Look
According to available information, the new Apple device will resemble a small tablet with about a 7-inch touchscreen housed in an aluminum case. The device is intended to be mounted on the wall or placed on a special stand with a built-in speaker. It will feature a camera that allows for video calls and recognizes household members. The system is designed to automatically adjust the displayed information to the person standing in front of the screen, for example, showing them their calendar, reminders, or messages. The interface will be based on a modified version of tvOS, with a strong emphasis on widgets and quick access to smart home control functions.
The delay in the new device shows that Apple is still catching up to the competition in the field of artificial intelligence. Companies like Google and Amazon have been developing their smart home platforms for years, offering advanced home screens and voice assistants. However, Apple hopes that by integrating new AI technologies with the Apple Intelligence ecosystem, they will create a more cohesive and secure environment for users.
Although the hardware design of the Apple home screen is ready, the company does not want to release the device without polished software. Everything indicates that only the development of the new generation of Siri and Apple Intelligence features will allow for the full utilization of this hardware's capabilities. If the work on AI goes according to plan, the Apple smart screen may hit the market as early as fall 2026.
source: Bloomberg (Mark Gurman), MacRumors, The Verge
