Apple recently announced that some Siri features that were supposed to be introduced as part of Apple Intelligence with iOS 18 will not appear as planned. The delay raises questions about the future of a device that has not yet been officially announced: a smart home command center that will serve as a central hub for controlling smart home products. According to Bloomberg, this device could play a key role in Apple's smart home strategy. The command center will be based on Apple Intelligence and will enable a new type of control with advanced Siri integration. But if Siri is not ready on time, what does that mean for the planned release of the device?
Apple has been working for years to expand its position in the smart home segment. With HomeKit, the HomePod and Apple TV, there are already options for controlling devices, but a special command center could anchor Apple's ecosystem even more firmly in the smart home area. However, this device is apparently heavily dependent on the new Siri functions, which are now being delayed. While a release was originally expected in 2025, the schedule could be pushed back significantly. Experts speculate that Apple will now only bring the device onto the market in 2026 or later.
What is the Apple Smart Home Command Center?
The device is intended to serve as a central control unit for smart home products while supporting a variety of Apple apps. According to reports, it could have a 6-inch display in a square shape reminiscent of a mini iPad. In addition to controlling networked devices, the command center could offer other functions:
- Voice control via Siri for smart home products such as lamps, thermostats and security cameras
- Integration of Apple apps for video calls, music control, calendar, recipes and photo viewing
- Artificial intelligence with Apple Intelligence to provide individual recommendations based on user behavior
Apple relies heavily on an intelligent Siri that not only executes simple commands, but also understands the context and suggests personalized actions.
Why is the new Siri delayed under Apple Intelligence?
Apple Intelligence is intended to take Siri to a whole new level. The AI-supported voice assistant is intended to learn from user behavior and take on more complex tasks. But this is precisely where Apple seems to be encountering technical challenges. It is not yet clear which aspects of the AI are not yet mature, but the delay suggests that Apple does not yet consider either the accuracy or the functionality of the new Siri to be ready for the market. The launch may now only take place with iOS 19, which significantly disrupts the original timetable for the smart home command center.
What does this mean for the Smart Home command center?
The delay of the new Siri under Apple Intelligence has a direct impact on the planned command center. According to the original plans, the device could have been released as early as March 2025. But if Siri only reaches full functionality with iOS 19, the command center could not be ready for market until 2026 or even later. There are several possible scenarios for Apple:
- Apple releases the device with limited features: If Apple has already finished developing the hardware, the command center could still be released in 2025, but with a slimmed down version of Siri. However, this would significantly limit the added value of the device.
- The release is postponed indefinitely: If Siri Apple Intelligence is not yet mature enough, Apple could only release the device once the AI technology is fully implemented. This would mean a market launch in 2026 at the earliest.
- Apple is adjusting its strategy: It is also possible that Apple will align the device more closely with existing functions such as HomeKit and app integration in order to not be completely dependent on the new Siri.
Does Apple still have a chance against Amazon and Google?
While Apple is rethinking its smart home strategy, other companies have long had functioning solutions on the market.
- Amazon Echo Show already offers a smart control center with voice control and app integration
- Google Nest Hub enables intelligent control of smart home products with Google Assistant
- Samsung SmartThings Hub connects various smart home systems across manufacturers
While Apple has a loyal user base, if the delay drags on too long, the company could fall further behind its competitors. Amazon and Google in particular are strong in this area and have years of experience.
Siri development slows down Apple's smart home plans
The delay of the new Siri under Apple Intelligence could have a significant impact on Apple's planned smart home command center. While the device has a lot of potential, its success depends heavily on the new AI features. If Apple cannot speed up the development of Siri, the market launch could also be pushed back to 2026 or even later. This does not necessarily mean that the device will fail - but Apple must hurry to avoid losing touch with Amazon and Google. Whether the smart home command center will actually be a game changer depends on when Apple really makes Siri smart enough to live up to the high expectations. Our Amazon Storefront: The best products for your smart home and much more! (Photo by Unsplash+ / Getty Images)
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