Apple is pushing ahead in home robotics, with a new report from Bloomberg revealing its latest project: a tabletop smart home device with a robotic arm. This device is designed to be a “smart home command center,” a videoconferencing hub, and a remote-controlled security tool, all in one.
Earlier this year, reports surfaced about Apple’s interest in a mobile robot that could follow users around their homes. Now, the focus is on a stationary device that combines an iPad-like display with a robotic arm, capable of tilting, spinning 360 degrees, and adjusting its position to follow the user.
Apple has a team of several hundred people working on this project, which was approved in 2022 and is being led by Kevin Lynch, Apple’s vice president of technology. Lynch, who previously oversaw the Apple Car project, is spearheading efforts to integrate Siri and Apple Intelligence into the device, allowing users to control it primarily through voice commands.
The device, which runs on a modified version of iPadOS, could feature advanced capabilities like voice recognition and the ability to focus on the person speaking. Apple is aiming for a release date in 2026 or 2027, with a target price of around $1,000. However, these details could change as the project is still in development.
