Apple is working on two new smart home devices, but has hit a big roadblock. Both gadgets need a smarter version of Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, which is taking longer to finish. The devices, a wall-mounted screen and a robotic tabletop screen, will now launch in 2026 or later.
Meet Apple’s Future Smart Home Devices
The Wall-Mounted Screen (J490)
This device looks like an iPad that you can stick on your wall. It lets you control smart home gadgets like lights and locks, make video calls, watch Apple TV, and check your calendar. It has a camera and magnets to attach to walls. Apple wants it to be affordable, so more people can buy it.
The Robotic Tabletop Screen (J595)
This fancy device has a screen on a moving arm that spins and adjusts height. It can track your face during video calls, monitor your home for security, and play music. It was supposed to have cool AI tricks, like recognizing who’s in the room, but Apple might remove some features to launch it faster.
Why Siri is Causing Delays
Siri Needs to Understand Better
The new devices need Siri to see what’s on the screen and follow complex commands. For example, saying “Turn off the lights and play my workout playlist” requires Siri to handle two tasks at once. Right now, Siri struggles with this.
Privacy Slows Things Down
Apple trains Siri using fake data instead of real user info to protect privacy. This makes it harder to teach Siri new skills compared to Google or Amazon, which use real data.
Robotic Arm Challenges
The moving arm on the J595 needs perfect timing with Siri’s commands. If Siri says “Follow me,” the arm must move smoothly without jerking. This tech is tricky and causing delays.
New Release Dates
Wall-Mounted Screen (J490)
Expected late 2025 or early 2026. Testing with Apple employees has started.
Robotic Screen (J595)
Coming late 2026 or early 2027. Some fun features might be cut to save time.
Apple put Mike Rockwell, the boss behind the Vision Pro headset, in charge of fixing Siri. The company is also talking to other AI companies for help.
What This Means for You
Apple’s delays mean you will wait longer for these gadgets. But when they arrive, they could change how you use smart homes. The wall screen might replace your smart speaker, while the robotic screen could make video calls feel more personal.
Other companies like Amazon already sell smart screens, but Apple’s devices promise tighter integration with iPhones and Macs. If Siri gets smarter, these screens could become the brain of your smart home.
As one tester said, “It’s like having a helpful robot butler, but only if Siri learns its job.”