Apple’s HomeOS And Smart Home Display Delayed But It Makes Sense

During its annual developers conference this year, Apple unveiled a range of significant updates across its software platforms. This included a fresh design language, a complete overhaul of iPadOS, and crucial enhancements to macOS features like Spotlight. However, one notable omission at WWDC 2025 was the much-anticipated homeOS.

Many expected a grand introduction of Apple’s operating system focused on smart home technologies, especially with the launch of several new products on the horizon. The first device is rumored to resemble a smart display equipped with its own speaker setup, while the second could even incorporate a robotic arm. Now, it appears that the rollout of homeOS and associated smart home devices has been delayed until 2026.

Despite this setback, keen observers caught glimpses of what the future might hold. Artificial Intelligence will play a significant role in these plans, enabling more meaningful and effective interactions with smart home devices. Picture this: a blend of apps, developers, AI, and voice controls.

Current Developments

Initially, Apple planned to launch homeOS back in March, but delays related to AI features derailed those timelines. According to Bloomberg, the new operating system and its devices are heavily reliant on updates to Siri, meaning they can’t be launched until these enhancements are completed.

Reportedly, the first of the two upcoming devices features a six-inch screen that can be mounted on a wall, along with several base accessories like a speaker. While this is not entirely new—companies like Amazon and Google have tried similar concepts—the integration with Apple’s ecosystem aims to distinguish it from the competition. Beyond simply managing smart home gadgets, the device is expected to support video calls and run applications such as Safari and Apple Music.

A key aspect of this device is its expected reliance on advanced AI capabilities, where Apple currently lags behind competitors. “This technology was intended for a smart home hub, which has now also been postponed, preventing Apple from venturing into this new product category,” as noted by the publication.

With an eye on Spring 2026 for the launch of advanced Siri features and on-device AI functionalities, it’s still unclear precisely what will accompany homeOS. If Amazon’s recent Alexa+ is any indication, the forthcoming advancements will likely be substantial.

Rationale Behind the Delay

“This is a significant undertaking,” stated Apple’s senior VP of software engineering, Craig Federighi, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal last year regarding the future of Siri. A year later, his message remains consistent: “There’s no need to rush and deliver a flawed product just to be the first to market,” he emphasized.

Apple is cautious about the potential pitfalls of AI, especially following episodes like the misinterpretation incident involving Apple Intelligence and the BBC. Moreover, Google’s AI continues to falter on basic tasks such as accurately displaying the date repeatedly.

While Amazon reports that Alexa boasts hundreds of millions of users, its AI-enhanced Alexa+ has reached less than one percent of this audience. A Reuters report cites internal sources highlighting issues with slow responses and inaccuracies in the information provided by Alexa+.

A recent piece in The New York Times reveals that many of Alexa+’s most anticipated features are either unavailable or still in development. These challenges, while serious, are not unmanageable. The pressing concern remains the capabilities of AI.

AI’s conversational abilities pose risks; a troubling report from The New York Times illustrates how interactions with ChatGPT spiraled emotionally for users, resulting in tragic outcomes.

It’s important to mention that ChatGPT has been included in the Apple Intelligence framework to enhance Siri’s ability to tackle complex queries. With updates in iOS 26 and other Apple platforms, Siri can now perform an even wider array of tasks.

Envision an Apple smart home device running ChatGPT (with its known flaws) in your household, especially with children and elderly family members present. While it’s generally safe and accurate, there are scenarios where deeper interactions could lead to unforeseen consequences.

Apple is likely unwilling to take the risk of deploying such technology in a device that will be used daily in homes. Aside from potential risks, poorly developed features would harm its appeal and invite criticism.

The company has learned from past mistakes, even retracting one of its ambitious Siri-AI marketing campaigns due to technology shortcomings. However, with a set target for a 2026 release, it’s reasonable to expect that substantial advancements in Siri and AI features are underway.

A Glimpse into the Future

So, why all the excitement about the next generation of Siri? Apple is fundamentally redesigning Siri’s architecture to make it act more like a chatbot, similar to Gemini, ChatGPT, or Claude.

This change is as substantial as the transition from Google Assistant to Gemini. Siri’s current limitations in handling user interactions and smart home controls leave room for improvement, which could soon change, as hinted at during WWDC.

The transformative aspect here is the new on-device AI framework from Apple. Developers will soon be able to create smarter, more user-friendly AI experiences integrated into their applications with minimal coding effort.

Best of all, the computing required for this AI will happen on-device, ensuring that user privacy is upheld. In essence, apps utilizing Apple’s AI models will become more intuitive and responsive. This raises intriguing possibilities for Apple’s smart home display.

According to Bloomberg, the anticipated device will work seamlessly with the iPhone, even allowing for Handoff features to transfer tasks effortlessly between screens. Overall, it’s clear that Apple aims to ensure that its software, AI, and app integrations are harmonized to prevent running into any issues at launch.

Apple’s goal is to facilitate natural language conversations and allow users to handle tasks across various applications with intuitive voice commands. A few extra months in development could make a substantial difference.