Apple is reportedly developing two innovative home devices that are currently on hold until the long-awaited major Siri upgrade is completed. The devices in question are a wall-mountable iPad-like screen designed to control smart-home devices, and a more ambitious tabletop device equipped with a robotic arm. According to a recent Bloomberg report, both devices are waiting for the Siri revamp that will incorporate on-screen awareness, a crucial feature for their proper functioning.
The two devices have been code-named J490, representing the wall-mounted home hub, and J595, which is the robotic-arm mounted interactive tabletop screen. The J490 is now expected to hit the market either in late 2025 or early 2026 and is currently undergoing internal testing with Apple employees. The more complex J595, featuring a robotic arm, is anticipated to follow in late 2026 or early 2027, although it will likely launch without some of its more advanced features.
The delay is attributed to the Siri upgrade, which has been handed to Apple Vision Pro leader Mike Rockwell’s team. This upgrade aims to make Siri more contextual by leveraging Apple Intelligence features that depend on app intents. Apple has acknowledged the delay in this significant Siri revamp, which is essential for the functionality of these new home devices.
The current focus of the teams behind these products is to expedite their release as soon as the Siri upgrade is available. This development underscores Apple’s efforts to enhance its smart home offerings and integrate advanced AI capabilities into its ecosystem.
