Highlights
- Apple’s HomePad delayed initially due to new Siri capability challenges and now to align with iOS 19 redesign.
- Mass production of the HomePad delayed from Q1 2025 to Q3 2025.
- Apple is ensuring the HomePad seamlessly integrates into the evolving software ecosystem before launch.
Apple was expected to launch a new Home product, often referred to as ‘HomePad,’ this month. However, delays have pushed its release back, initially due to challenges in developing new Siri capabilities.
Now, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, another major reason for the delay is ensuring the device’s interface aligns with iOS 19’s redesign. Here’s what we know.
Software Issues Holding Back Apple HomePad
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kuo explained, “Three months ago, I predicted that mass production of the new display-equipped HomePod would slip from 1Q25 to 3Q25 (after WWDC) due to software development issues. Beyond Apple Intelligence, the issues also involve ensuring the HomePod’s interface aligns with new OS updates (like iOS 19) set to roll out across other devices in 2H25. This alignment is essential for seamlessly integrating new products into Apple’s ecosystem.”
Three months ago, I predicted that mass production of the new display-equipped HomePod would slip from 1Q25 to 3Q25 (after WWDC) due to software development issues. Beyond Apple Intelligence, the issues also involve ensuring the HomePod’s interface aligns with new OS updates… https://t.co/wg4EazzTW3
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) March 12, 2025
Back in December, Kuo had already warned that software challenges could delay Apple’s display-equipped HomePod until Q3 2025. At that time, Mark Gurman still expected a March launch, though later reports suggested a spring release was uncertain.
Initially, many believed the delay was entirely due to Apple Intelligence, the AI-powered Siri upgrade originally planned for iOS 18.4. However, Apple has now pushed that update further into 2025.
Now, Kuo suggests that while AI-powered Siri is a factor, iOS 19’s major redesign is also playing a big role in the HomePad’s delay. Apple wants to ensure the new device fits seamlessly into its evolving software ecosystem before launching it.
9to5Mac’s Ryan Christoffel, in their report, highlights, “Kuo’s explanation doesn’t necessarily justify delaying a major product. Siri’s development challenges are one thing, but if the new homeOS that HomePad will run offers a sneak peek of what’s coming with iOS 19, I don’t see how that’s a bad thing at all.”
“Unless, perhaps, Apple expects iOS 19’s design to be in flux over the beta season this summer. In that case, maybe it wants to save itself the trouble of redesigning homeOS elements after the fact by just shipping the new OS once its design plans are more stable,” Christoffel further added.
FAQs
Q1. Why has the release of Apple’s new Home product, “HomePad,” been delayed?
Answer. Initially, the delay was due to challenges in developing new Siri capabilities. Additionally, ensuring the device’s interface aligns with the iOS 19 redesign has also contributed to the delay.
Q2. What does analyst Ming-Chi Kuo say about the HomePad’s production timeline?
Answer. Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that the mass production of the display-equipped HomePod has been delayed from Q1 2025 to Q3 2025 (after WWDC) due to software development issues and the need to align with new OS updates like iOS 19.
Q3. What is the role of iOS 19 in the HomePad’s delay?
Answer. The redesign of iOS 19 is a significant factor in the HomePad’s delay, as Apple wants to ensure that the new device fits seamlessly into its evolving software ecosystem before launching it.
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