Apple’s smart robot will likely be a tabletop model with an iPad-like screen on a thin robotic arm. Here’s what you need to know.
Apple launches a smart robot for the home
It message about a smart robot from Apple comes from Mark Gurman. The robot’s screen would be able to tilt, move up and down and rotate 360º thanks to the thin arm. Handy for FaceTime calls and monitoring your home. The device would also serve as a central control for your smart home with Apple HomeKit. In the image above you can see MacRumors’ idea for a similar device based on the G4 iMac.
According to Gurman, the table robot uses Siri and Apple Intelligence. This allows the device to respond to a whole range of voice commands. The smart robot is also said to be able to recognize different voices and automatically turn the screen in the direction of the users in the room.
Not a new idea, but a new start
Apple has had plans to develop a smart robot for some time now. In April, a rumor about Apple’s plans for personal robotics. Bloomberg reported at the time that Apple was researching a “mobile robot that can follow its users around their homes.” In the new report, Gurman says the company recently prioritized development of such a device.
The project is now said to be overseen by software engineer Kevin Lynch, Apple’s Vice President of Technology. He has previously overseen projects including the Apple Watch and Apple Car, the self-driving car that ended last February.
Apple is reportedly planning to launch the smart robot as early as 2026 or 2027, and is aiming for a final retail price of around $1,000. Of course, plans could change again as development progresses. When that happens, you can of course read all about it on iPhoned!
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