Apple’s rumoured Amazon Echo Show rival faces further delay, here’s why

Apple’s much-anticipated smart home hub, initially slated for release this year, is now expected to launch in 2026, according to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The delay stems from engineering challenges with Apple Intelligence and Siri integration, which are central to the hub’s functionality.

The smart home hub, envisioned as Apple’s answer to the Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub, was designed to feature a 7-inch square display, a new operating system, and seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem. However, internal restructuring and complications with Siri’s contextual AI capabilities have pushed back the timeline.