Apple's Smart Display Pushed to Fall 2026 as AI Work on Siri Continues

Apple has reportedly delayed the launch of its first smart home display, according to a new report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The device, now expected in September 2026, is ready from a hardware perspective. The holdup stems from software, specifically the ongoing and substantial overhaul of the Siri voice assistant.

Internally codenamed J490, the product would combine a HomePod speaker with a touchscreen. Its development has been an open secret for years, with rumors circulating since 2022. Industry watchers had anticipated a possible announcement this spring, but those plans have shifted.

The delay underscores a broader challenge for Apple as it races to enhance its artificial intelligence offerings. The company's "Apple Intelligence" initiative, a year in the making, aims to transform Siri into a more capable, chatbot-like experience. This core software update is now targeted for completion alongside the iPhone 18 Pro launch, also slated for September.

Apple may preview the new Siri capabilities at its Worldwide Developers Conference this summer. However, the full integration, necessary for the debut of the smart display, will take several more months. The postponement suggests Apple is prioritizing a polished AI experience over rushing a hardware product to market.

Source: Engadget