From Engadget · Steve Dent · · 1m 40s
Apple's Siri smart display may finally be ready
After years of delays, Apple's J490 home hub device is being tested with employees and could launch later this year.
In brief
After years of delays, Apple's J490 home hub device is being tested with employees and could launch later this year. Apple is preparing to enter the smart display market with a device centered on its new Siri AI capabilities, featuring facial recognition and deep iPhone integration. Originally reported by Engadget.
Apple's long-awaited smart display
Apple has been rumored to build a smart display since 2022 to compete with Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub. The device, called J490 internally, is now being tested in employee homes.
“A smart display from Apple that would compete with Amazon's Echo Show or Google's Nest Hub has been rumored since 2022, but may finally launch soon.”
Design sits on stand or wall
The device will either sit on a stand resembling a sliced-in-half HomePod Mini or attach directly to a wall. It features a smaller display than competitors, with Wi-Fi connectivity, a camera, and microphones.
“It would either sit on a stand like a sliced-in-half HomePod Mini or attach to a wall.”
Facial recognition personalizes content
The display uses facial recognition to identify who is looking at the screen and customize apps, notes, calendar appointments, news, music and podcasts accordingly. It will sync with an iPhone for setup.
“It would feature facial recognition through the camera systems to identify who is looking at the screen and personalize the contents.”
Siri AI powers all interactions
The device centers on Siri AI, which debuted in iOS 27 and can search across devices and accounts. Users can ask it to play podcasts, find images, or perform tasks in Calendar and Notes.
“The device's functions will revolve around Siri AI, which finally appeared with iOS 27.”
Delayed by Apple Intelligence issues
The device was originally planned for 2024 but was delayed due to problems with Apple Intelligence. Recent leaks suggest it could arrive later in 2026, though no official launch date has been announced.
“The device was supposed to come as early as 2024 but was reportedly delayed by issues with Apple Intelligence.”
Apple Pencil for iPhone Duo cancelled
Apple scrapped a specialized Pencil designed for the dual-screen iPhone Duo due to technical problems before mass production. The company will instead support the standard iPad Apple Pencil by the end of 2026.
“Apple reportedly kiboshed a Pencil designed specifically for the dual-screen iPhone Duo.”
What to remember
Apple is preparing to enter the smart display market with a device centered on its new Siri AI capabilities, featuring facial recognition and deep iPhone integration.
