Apple’s Siri Delays Halt Smart Home Device Launch – Bloomberg Report

Apple’s ambitious plans to overhaul Siri, and deliver a genuinely competitive voice assistant, are reportedly causing significant delays not just to the software itself, but also to a range of new hardware products. A new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman details how the company’s struggles with artificial intelligence have position a hold on the release of a screen-equipped HomePod, a wall-mountable version, and even a tabletop robot designed to be controlled by the updated Siri.

The Siri Bottleneck: Beyond Software

The issues extend far beyond simply refining Siri’s conversational abilities. According to Gurman’s reporting, these hardware projects were envisioned as being powered by the “new Siri,” planned for release alongside iOS 26.4 this March. The core idea was to create a smart home ecosystem centered around a more capable voice assistant, capable of controlling appliances, music, and communications. However, the repeated setbacks in developing that advanced Siri have effectively stalled the entire hardware initiative. The original timeline called for a launch alongside iOS 26.4, but sources now suggest a potential September release – though even that is uncertain.

This isn’t the first time these products have faced delays. Last year, Gurman initially reported on the J490 (the screen-equipped HomePod), the J491 (a wall-mounted variant), and the robotic version, anticipating a 2025 launch that was then pushed to spring of this year. The initial reports highlighted Apple’s ambition to create a compelling alternative to products like Amazon’s Echo Show 8, and to expand its presence in the smart home market. The tabletop robot, in particular, represented a more whimsical and innovative approach, aiming to differentiate Apple’s offering from competitors.

A History of Siri Struggles and Shifting Strategies

Apple’s pursuit of a truly intelligent Siri has been a long and winding road. The company began heavily promoting an improved Siri in 2023 and 2024, but those promises have yet to fully materialize. The current situation reflects a broader challenge for Apple: its initial attempts to build an AI model in-house proved tricky, leading to a strategic shift. Rather than relying solely on its own development, Apple has begun integrating external models, most notably Google’s Gemini, into its AI platform. This move signals a departure from a single-model strategy towards a more layered architecture, where Apple selects the best tools for specific tasks while maintaining control over privacy and user experience.

However, even the partnership with Google hasn’t been a straightforward solution. As Mark Gurman reported, Apple is also heavily reliant on Anthropic’s Claude-based systems for internal AI workflows, including product development, and testing. This internal dependence on Anthropic highlights a complex AI strategy where Apple is leveraging multiple external models to accelerate development and improve the quality of its AI features. Anthropic’s models are valued for their safety-focused design, structured reasoning, and conversational clarity – qualities that align with Apple’s goals for its future assistants.

The Cost of AI: Why Anthropic Didn’t Become Siri’s Foundation

Interestingly, Apple initially considered rebuilding Siri entirely around Anthropic’s Claude model. However, negotiations stalled due to cost. According to Gurman, Anthropic demanded several billion dollars per year, with fees doubling annually for the next three years. Apple deemed this price too high, ultimately opting for the more affordable Google Gemini partnership. This decision underscores the financial realities of developing and deploying advanced AI models, and the trade-offs companies must make when choosing between in-house development and external partnerships.

Implications for Apple’s Smart Home Ambitions

The delays to these hardware products represent a setback for Apple’s ambitions in the smart home market. The company is aiming to create “its next big moneymaker,” but the ongoing AI challenges are hindering its progress. While Apple continues to release other successful products like the iPhone 17e, MacBook Neo, and updated Studio Display, the stalled smart home devices highlight the critical role of AI in Apple’s future product strategy. The reliance on external AI models, while necessary in the short term, also raises questions about Apple’s long-term control over its AI ecosystem and its ability to differentiate its products from competitors.

What Comes Next: A Cautious Outlook

The current expectation is a potential launch in September, coinciding with the release of iOS 26.4. However, given the history of delays and the ongoing complexities of AI development, it’s prudent to approach this timeline with caution. The success of these products will ultimately depend on Apple’s ability to deliver a truly compelling and reliable Siri experience. Further development and testing are crucial, and Apple will demand to carefully balance its reliance on external AI models with its own in-house capabilities. The situation serves as a reminder that even for a tech giant like Apple, the path to AI-powered innovation is fraught with challenges and uncertainties.

For consumers interested in smart home devices, it may be wise to hold off on making any purchases specifically anticipating integration with these delayed Apple products. The smart home landscape is rapidly evolving, and alternative solutions from companies like Amazon and Google remain readily available.