Apple smart speaker

Apple delays launch of smart speaker

The electronics giant said the device, which was due to be released in December this year, still needed development work.

It said the HomePod would be ready to go on shop shelves in the US, UK and Australia "early in 2018".

The news is a blow to its plans to take on rivals Amazon and Google in the growing market for home devices that use AI to help consumers.

'Not surprising'

In a statement sent to news organisations, Apple said the wireless speaker needed "a little more time before it's ready for our customers".