Because Apple Intelligence progressed more slowly than planned, several new Apple products were reportedly delayed – from the Home Hub and smart glasses to a tabletop robot. However, upon closer inspection, the list of actual delays shrinks considerably.
Apple Intelligence arrived in its fully developed form significantly later than announced, and this delay is having repercussions: According to Bloomberg's latest Power On newsletter, several unannounced products awaiting improved AI capabilities have been stalled as a result. These reportedly include the rumored Home Hub, Apple Glasses, and a desktop robot attachment for the Home Hub. However, the true extent of this product backlog warrants closer examination.
Which products are waiting for better AI?
According to Mark Gurman, the Home Hub could be released at the end of 2026, the Apple Glasses at the end of 2027, and the desk robot not until 2028. All three were originally planned for earlier release dates. If Apple Intelligence had been fully rolled out as planned throughout 2025, the Home Hub could have arrived earlier, the Glasses as early as the beginning of 2027, and the robotic arm possibly as early as 2026 or 2027.
In the world of Apple leaks, unannounced products are considered "delayed" as soon as an internally targeted launch window is pushed back. A specific target date was apparently in place – other product areas then took precedence.
The report makes no mention of the rumored planned AI counterpart, which would theoretically also rely on improved AI tools. It is likely still too early in its development to even be considered "delayed."
Delay or course correction?
Upon closer inspection, the list shrinks considerably. Technically speaking, the table robot is an accessory or a second expansion stage of the Home Hub – thus leaving only two independent product lines instead of three.
Even the supposed postponement of the glasses from early to late 2027 is hardly a genuine delay. Ming-Chi Kuo had already mentioned late 2027 as a target date early on; Gurman only adopted this assessment later. Furthermore, Gurman is considered less accurate when it comes to timelines surrounding the Vision Products Group, because previous predictions for the Apple Vision Pro have repeatedly been inaccurate. The latest adjustment thus seems more like a correction back to the already established timeline than genuine news.
Ultimately, only one tangible delay remains: the Home Hub. And even that is understandable.
Why the Home Hub is waiting for a better Siri
The tablet for controlling the smart home has reportedly been ready for some time. Apple's delaying of the launch makes sense: its operation is closely tied to Siri, and another device built on the assistant shouldn't suffer from a weak Siri. As long as the revamped Siri isn't convincing, a premature market launch would be an unnecessary risk.
Apple's offensive in the smart home
Regardless of the timing, there are strong indications that Apple is making a major push into the smart home market with its own hardware. Besides the Home Hub, this includes a proprietary security camera and a doorbell. The launch date for this product family is unclear – but it could happen at any time.
The bigger bottleneck: memory and chips
The potentially more important story has little to do with AI delays. The market for memory and computer components has been completely depleted by the enormous demand from the AI industry, and the shortages are affecting Apple's entire Mac lineup. As a result, the remaining M5 updates this summer may not materialize.
While WWDC is primarily a software event, Apple has also showcased hardware and new chips there in the past. This year, however, supply chains are so tight that even Apple has had to scale back its offerings. The major hardware releases are therefore likely to arrive in the fall – including the foldable iPhone Ultra, which is expected in September.
A narrative that doesn't quite fit the numbers
Criticism of Apple is justified where it's warranted. However, to conclude from a single, verifiable delay that a company is failing to deliver a whole series of products is an oversimplification. This image of a struggling, self-absorbed Apple doesn't align with the visible results – for a company that recently posted a record quarter, despite having a comparatively small presence in the AI race so far. How much WWDC will shift this perception will become clear this Monday. (Image: Shutterstock / edphi)
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