Kuo: ‘HomePad’ delayed to post-WWDC to ensure iOS 19 design consistency

Apple was originally expected to launch a new Home product this month, which I’ve been calling ‘HomePad.’ However, reports have pointed to delays related to Apple’s challenges developing new Siri capabilities. Now, per Ming-Chi Kuo, it seems that iOS 19’s new design might be related to HomePad’s delayed launch too.

Software issues with HomePad aren’t limited to AI features

Ming-Chi Kuo writes in a post on X:

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.

Kuo did predict back in December that software issues would push back Apple’s “display-equipped HomePod” into the third quarter of 2025.

At the time, Mark Gurman was still reporting the device would launch in March, and even when that date started slipping for him, it seemed as though HomePad could still launch some time in the spring.

Many of us assumed that the software issues plaguing HomePad’s release were entirely related to Apple Intelligence.

The new device is expected to tap into the AI Siri capabilities that were originally planned for iOS 18.4, but have now been officially delayed until some time “in the coming year.”

But now, per Kuo, it sounds like Siri was only one part of the complication. The expected major redesign coming in iOS 19 is another key component.

9to5Mac’s Take

It makes a lot of sense that Apple would need to align the user interfaces across its products, especially since that sounds like a major goal of iOS 19, macOS 16, and more.

However, 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.

What do you make of Kuo’s HomePad delay explanation? Let us know in the comments.