Apple’s Smart Home Hub Rumors: What’s Next for the Company’s AI Plans?
Rumored Apple Smart Home Hub
It’s been rumored for months now that Apple was planning to release a device early this year that would serve as a smart home hub with a display, similar to devices that its main smart home competitors, Amazon and Google, have both offered for years. The device is expected to be the first Apple smart home hub with support for Apple Intelligence. It’s also rumored to run on tvOS and support native Apple apps like Calendar, Notes, and, according to recent rumors, compatibility with Apple’s Messages app.
Apple Intelligence Delayed
Apple said last week that its upgraded smart assistant is taking "longer than we thought," and will be released in the "coming year," hinting that it may not be an iOS 18 feature as originally promised. The version of Apple Intelligence that we have now doesn’t really offer any smart home features, so Apple releasing a smart display that’s wrapped up in the Siri AI upgrade wouldn’t make much sense right now.
Competition Heats Up
Apple’s competitors, at first glance, seem to be forging ahead. Amazon, which has had its own struggles integrating AI into Alexa, has announced it’s finally doing just that with Alexa Plus, starting with its own robust Echo Show smart display lineup that most recently included the addition of the Echo Show 21. Google began its own similar rollout of Gemini in December, though only for some Nest speakers. But in both cases, they’re limited rollouts and not truly in the public sphere quite yet.
What’s Next for Apple?
While Apple’s competitors are making moves, it’s unclear what the company plans to do next. Will it release a smart home hub with limited functionality, or will it delay its release until the upgraded Apple Intelligence is ready? Only time will tell.
FAQs
Q: When is Apple’s smart home hub expected to be released?
A: Rumors suggest it will be released early this year, but a specific date has not been announced.
Q: What features will the Apple smart home hub have?
A: It’s expected to run on tvOS and support native Apple apps like Calendar, Notes, and compatibility with Apple’s Messages app.
Q: Is Apple’s smart home hub a response to Amazon and Google’s smart display offerings?
A: Yes, it is. Apple is reportedly trying to catch up with its competitors in the smart home space.
Q: Why is Apple’s smart home hub delayed?
A: Apple’s upgraded smart assistant, Apple Intelligence, is taking longer to develop than expected, which is likely the reason for the delay.
