The central issue behind the delay to Apple's HomeView is Siri AI, with possible implications for its Japanese launch. Based on executive comments and timeline information, the device passed regulatory testing in autumn 2024, while the only language currently supported is English and Japanese support has yet to be decided.
The core of this event is Siri AI. An executive explained that “we needed to wait until the features shaped by Siri AI and personal context were ready.” The company emphasised that, as a home device, it would allow the whole family to operate it naturally using spoken language, and views were expressed that this could affect its launch in Japan.
Regarding the device's development history, it has been pointed out that it underwent testing by the US FCC in autumn 2024. The launch schedule was initially reported as an announcement “as early as March,” but Apple later disclosed that preparing Siri was taking time. The actual announcement was made on 13 October 2026, and the Japanese launch now depends on subsequent developments.
There are views that delays in Japanese-language support will directly affect adoption in Japan. HomeView currently supports English only. Canadian French has been mentioned as a possible additional language, but Japanese is not currently included. As with the list of launch countries, language readiness is expected to be a prerequisite for the Japanese rollout.
Overseas media reactions have largely suggested that the hardware was ready but awaiting the new Siri. Delayed language localisation has become a dividing point for the local rollout. While many are watching the preparations for a Japanese launch, reports have also said that Japanese Siri support on the iPhone is progressing.