Apple’s long-rumored smart home hub has hit a setback. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has scrapped some of the more advanced features it had planned for the device in an effort to launch it sooner.
Gurman says the company pulled some of the “bolder” features, though he did not share specifics. The move reportedly aims to speed up development, especially after delays related to personalized Siri features, which are expected to be central to the device.
The smart hub — which Apple has not officially confirmed — was originally rumored to be “Apple’s most significant release” of 2025. Gurman expects the device to arrive by the end of this year at the earliest, but the launch timeframe remains unclear.
Previously, the device was described as a HomePod with a screen — possibly with a 6 to 7-inch display, A18 chip, and Apple Intelligence integration. It could be used to control smart home appliances, make FaceTime calls, and more. Reports also suggest it might come with a speaker base or wall-mount option.
Despite the trimmed features, Apple is still pushing to become a bigger player in the smart home space. Production may begin shortly after WWDC 2025, which kicks off on June 9.
