Apple reportedly delays smart display launch to autumn 2026

Apple is expected to postpone the launch of its long-rumoured smart home display until later in 2026, according to a new report from Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman. The device, which has been in development for several years, was previously expected to arrive much earlier but now appears to have been pushed back due to delays linked to the company’s artificial intelligence plans.

Sources cited in the report say Apple is now targeting September 2026 for the product’s debut, aligning it with the company’s usual autumn hardware announcements. Although the device’s hardware is reportedly complete and ready for production, the software experience built around artificial intelligence is still unfinished.

The delay highlights Apple’s ongoing effort to strengthen its AI capabilities amid intensifying competition across the technology sector. The company has been working to integrate more advanced AI features into its ecosystem, particularly through an extensive overhaul of its voice assistant Siri.

Apple’s smart display project faces further delay

The smart display, internally known as J490, has been the subject of speculation since at least 2022. Early reports suggested Apple was developing a hybrid device combining the functions of a HomePod smart speaker with a built-in display, designed to act as a central hub for smart home control, video calls, and media playback.

Since those early reports, rumours about the device have surfaced repeatedly, often suggesting an imminent launch. The most recent expectations pointed to a possible unveiling in spring 2026, with some speculation that the announcement could take place as early as March.

However, according to Gurman’s sources, Apple has once again decided to postpone the launch timeline. While the physical design and core hardware components have reportedly been finalised for months, the device’s software experience depends heavily on improvements to Siri and Apple’s broader artificial intelligence platform.

The smart display is expected to rely significantly on voice interaction, contextual responses, and AI-driven personal assistance. Without the upgraded Siri system ready, Apple is reportedly reluctant to introduce the device to the market.

This situation reflects a broader challenge for the company as it seeks to expand its AI capabilities while maintaining the polish and reliability associated with its products.

Siri overhaul linked to Apple’s intelligence strategy

Apple has been working on a major Siri upgrade for more than a year as part of its wider Apple Intelligence initiative. The effort aims to transform the voice assistant into a more capable conversational system that can handle complex requests, understand context across apps, and generate responses more naturally.

Industry rivals have moved quickly in this area, introducing AI assistants that operate more like chatbots capable of performing a wide range of tasks. Apple has been criticised in some quarters for moving more cautiously, though the company has argued that its approach prioritises privacy and deeper device integration.

The revamped Siri is expected to play a central role in the user experience of the upcoming smart display. By combining voice commands, on-screen controls, and AI-generated responses, the device is intended to function as a more intelligent home control centre.

According to the report, Apple’s internal roadmap now aims to complete the Siri upgrade in time for the launch of its next-generation flagship smartphones, including the iPhone 18 Pro. That device is widely expected to be announced during Apple’s typical September product event.

Delaying the smart display until the same timeframe would allow Apple to introduce the new Siri system across several products simultaneously, potentially presenting the changes as a broader platform shift rather than a feature tied to a single device.

Possible preview at WWDC before autumn launch

Although the hardware launch may still be months away, Apple could reveal some of its upcoming AI features earlier in the year. The company’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference, usually held in June, has historically been used to introduce major software changes.

Gurman’s report suggests Apple may use the WWDC keynote to preview its upgraded Siri, potentially demonstrating new conversational abilities and AI-driven tools before they appear on consumer devices.

Such a strategy would allow developers time to prepare their applications for deeper integration with the new system. It would also help Apple outline its long-term AI vision, as the technology industry rapidly evolves.

If the timeline remains unchanged, the improved Siri experience would then debut on new hardware later in the year, including the iPhone 18 Pro and the long-rumoured smart display.

For now, however, the delay indicates that Apple is taking additional time to finalise the artificial intelligence features it sees as central to its next generation of products.