Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple is developing a tabletop robotic device. A mobile robot designed to follow users around the home was originally revealed by Apple in April.
Apple is intensifying its efforts on a smart home device with a robotic arm that would serve as a command centre, videoconferencing tool, and remote security system.
Furthermore, Apple reportedly plans to build a device similar to the HomePod that will feature a screen that can swivel with the help of a robotic arm. It involves several hundred people and aims to create a “pricey tabletop home device” combining an iPad-like display and a robotic arm.
For enhanced movement, the device’s display will tilt and rotate 360 degrees using an actuator and a thin robotic arm. Apple executives approved the project in 2022, and significant progress has been made in recent months.
Kevin Lynch, Apple’s vice president of technology, led the Apple Car project before it was discontinued in February. The hardware engineering team at Apple, including Matt Costello, who leads HomePod development, also participates actively in the project.
Apple is also exploring other robotics projects, including robots that can move around the home and humanoid models. A team of more than 100 former car team engineers is overseen by Hanns Wolfram Tappeiner, a robotics expert.
Siri and other Apple Intelligence features will be the primary means of user interaction with this device. As of now, the device runs on a modified version of iPadOS and may feature voice recognition and the ability to respond to commands like “look at me” to focus on the speaker.
By 2026 or 2027, Apple plans to launch this tabletop home device for around $1,000. Due to the extended timeline, these plans may still change.
