Apple fans eagerly awaiting a new smart home device may need to wait longer. The rumored Home Hub, a screen-equipped HomePod or iPad-like controller, has reportedly been delayed until late 2025. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, software challenges and the need to align with iOS 19 are pushing the launch past June’s WWDC event. This marks another setback for a device that has been “six months away” for over a year.
Why the Home Hub Is Stuck in Development
The Home Hub is designed to centralize control of Apple’s smart home ecosystem. Think of it as a touchscreen hub for managing HomeKit devices, playing media, and interacting with Siri. However, integrating this device with upcoming software like iOS 19 has proven tricky.
Kuo notes that Apple is struggling to ensure the Home Hub’s interface works seamlessly with new operating system updates. For example, features tied to Apple Intelligence (the company’s AI tools) require the Home Hub to sync with iPhones, iPads, and Macs. The device would experience a lack of unity with other Apple products due to absent compatibility within its ecosystem.
Reports from January 2025 indicated Apple picked its vendor for the device yet program code problems proved to slow down development.
iOS 19 and iPhone 17 Conflicts
Apple tends to display new software during its June WWDC release yet iOS 19 will reach the public market during September or October 2025. According to Kuo’s prediction, the Home Hub device will launch in the third fiscal quarter beginning July 1. The anticipated September release of iPhone 17 creates scheduling difficulties for the company because it lines up with the scheduled roll-out of iOS 19.
During iPhone events, Apple usually promotes additional products including the Apple Watch through its presentations. Speculations about a slim iPhone 17 model threaten to outshine the Home Hub release even though Kuo predicts it will reach the market this year. The simultaneous release of an iPhone and Home Hub might demand excessive marketing management from Apple.
Why Trusting Kuo’s Predictions Is Tricky
Since taking on the role of Apple analyst several years ago Ming-Chi Kuo has gotten inconsistent predictions right. Earlier in 2024 Kuo suggested Apple would develop a HomePod with screen capabilities yet no official announcement exists from Apple regarding this product. Certain analysts doubt that Kuo presents evidence from actual insider information in his current predictions. The software-related delays demonstrate Apple’s careful strategy toward introducing new product divisions to the market.
What the Home Hub Could Offer
- All home automation tools could be managed easily through a single-screen interface.
- Users can stream Apple TV+ and control HomePod speakers as well as view family calendars through Media Hub.
- Users can activate controlling home automation through voice commands enabled by Siri.
Leaked code reveals the upcoming device has a design similar to the iPad mini while integrating built-in speakers that allow users to experience HomePod-level audio with visual feedback.
Competition in the Smart Home Market
Coinciding with development delays, Apple allowed its competition such as Amazon (Echo Show) and Google (Nest Hub) to gain additional market foothold. Both offer affordable smart displays with robust ecosystems. Apple needs a Home Hub that establishes superior HomeKit integration while offering original features such as enhanced privacy controls or Matter protocol adoption.
Apple’s Ecosystem Strategy
The Home Hub functions as a foundational element within Apple’s comprehensive smart home ecosystem. Delaying it ensures the device works flawlessly with iOS 19, macOS Sequoia, and future updates. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, pushing could risk another HomePod (2018) scenario, where poor sales forced Apple to discontinue the original model.
For now, smart home enthusiasts can stick with existing options like the iPad or Apple TV as makeshift hubs. But those holding out for Apple’s dedicated solution must wait a little longer.
