iOS 19’s rumored redesign may have delayed Apple’s smart home hub
Apple has reportedly delayed its rumored smart home hub to ensure design consistency in light of a significant redesign of iOS coming with iOS 19.
The Verifier, Bloomberg and Jon Prosser all claim Apple will bring the most significant design overhaul to its iPhone, iPad and Mac operating systems with this year’s iOS 19, iPadOS 19 and macOS 16 releases. And now, industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple will unveil its rumored smart home command center in the fall instead of this month to avoid divulging the software redesign ahead of time.
The device is allegedly a HomePod with a 6-7-inch display, powered by the Apple A18 chip with support for Apple Intelligence. It should mark the start of Apple’s renewed push for the connected home, said to include other accessories like a smart doorbell equipped with MagSafe and Face ID and a pricey tabletop robot.
Kuo: Apple smart home hub delayed over iOS 19’s redesign
Kuo previously mentioned that the project has faced setbacks over software development challenges. His latest X (Twitter) post suggests that software issues plaguing the development effort aren’t limited to AI features.
Three months ago, I predicted that mass production of the new display-equipped HomePod would slip from the first quarter of 2025 to the third quarter (after WWDC) due to software development issues. Beyond Apple Intelligence, the issues also involve ensuring the HomePod’s interface aligns with new OS updates (like iOS 19) set to roll out across other devices in the second half of this year. This alignment is essential for seamlessly integrating new products into Apple’s ecosystem.
This makes sense. Apple will preview iOS 19, iPadOS 19 and macOS 16 at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. Releasing the rumored home hub before WWDC25 would prematurely reveal the software redesign.
Kuo predicted in December 2024 that the all-in-one home management hub would enter mass production in the second half of 2025, suggesting a launch sometime in the fall. Mark Gurman wrote on Bloomberg in February 2025 that the alleged accessory was “months away” from shipping.
Although Kuo didn’t mention it, issues with an AI-infused Siri could be another reason for the delay. A revised disclaimer on Apple’s website confirms that “Siri’s personal context understanding, onscreen awareness and in-app actions are in development and will be available with a future software update.”
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