In late 2024, whispers began circulating about an innovative HomeKit device that would merge the features of a HomePod and an iPad, all powered by cutting-edge AI software. Reports indicated that Apple was working on two versions of this gadget, with one expected to hit the market in 2025.
However, progress on this project appears to have experienced delays, largely due to challenges Apple has faced in AI development. Initially, the company aimed to unveil this device in March. But the launch has been pushed back because it relies significantly on upcoming Siri enhancements, which have also been affected by delays, according to a Bloomberg report.
Currently under development with the codename “J490,” this device is expected to resemble a wall-mounted tablet showcasing Apple Intelligence. The timeline for its release remains uncertain. However, if Apple’s expectations for a next-generation Siri come to fruition, it is plausible that the product could launch in the upcoming year to mitigate any further reputational damage.
The delays seem primarily linked to the development of advanced voice interactions and the ability for Siri to perform tasks across various applications. “The device was designed with App Intents in mind—a system that enables AI to accurately manage applications and tasks, which is set to release in the near future,” Bloomberg noted last November.
As of now, Apple has not yet rolled out the App Intent system, which aims to allow Siri to have deeper integration with both proprietary and third-party applications, enabling task execution via voice commands. This concept parallels Google’s Gemini extensions, which empower its AI assistant to interact with applications such as Gmail and Docs, as well as third-party services like Spotify.
The App Intent system marks one of the most noticeable delays within Siri’s development framework, alongside the enhancement of natural language processing capabilities. These innovations are anticipated to debut next year, suggesting that the postponed rollout of Siri’s next-generation features is also influencing the launch of the smart home hub.
On a brighter note, reports indicate that Apple has reached an advanced testing phase, allowing select employees to take the device home for feedback. The smart home gadget is said to feature a 6-inch display and bear a resemblance to a squarish iPad, complete with a front-facing camera, speakers, and an internal battery.
Its main appeal will be the role it plays as a centralized hub for managing all connected smart home devices. Additionally, it will serve as an intercom system, with FaceTime capabilities for video calls.
The expected price range for this device is between $130 and $230, positioning it as a competitor to similar offerings from Amazon and Google’s Nest. Speaking of Amazon, the company recently introduced an upgraded AI assistant, Alexa+, enhanced with generative AI capabilities, and is set to launch a new line of smart home devices soon.
