Apple's Smart Home Hub Project Faces Delays as Siri Capabilities Fall Behind Schedule

According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple has opened up an internal testing program for a new smart home hub, tentatively named HomePad. Initially planned to debut in March 2025, the product has been delayed due to setbacks with developing new Siri capabilities and App Intent features. Apple aims to introduce a more personalized and context-aware version of Siri, which is now expected to roll out over the coming year. The home hub will feature a 7-inch square display, a camera, a built-in rechargeable battery, and run on a new operating system called homeOS. It will support various Apple apps, video applications like FaceTime, and smart home control. Despite the public release delay, select Apple employees are participating in an at-home testing program to provide feedback and improve the product.