The Future of Apple: Quietly Building the Next Generation of Home Robots

TLDR:

• Apple is rumored to be working on home robots, including a tabletop device and potentially mobile/humanoid robots
• The first robot may be a tabletop device with a screen that can pivot to follow users, possibly launching in 2026-2027
• Apple is reportedly developing a new AI “personality” to power these robots, beyond current Siri capabilities
• Potential uses include videoconferencing, remote home monitoring, and eventually household chores
• Apple’s robotics efforts are still in early stages, with more advanced robots not expected until next decade

Apple, known for its innovative consumer electronics, is reportedly venturing into the world of home robotics. According to recent reports, the tech giant is in the early stages of developing robotic devices for consumer homes, starting with a tabletop robot that could debut as soon as 2026.

The first Apple robot, codenamed J595, is said to feature a screen similar to an iPad mounted on a robotic base. This device would be able to pivot and follow users’ movements, potentially enhancing video calls and other screen-based interactions.

With an estimated price point under $1000, Apple seems to be aiming for mainstream adoption of this initial offering.

But Apple’s robotics ambitions may extend far beyond this first product. Industry insiders suggest the company is also exploring more advanced mobile robots and even humanoid designs that could emerge in the next decade.

These future robots might be capable of performing household chores like laundry or dishwashing, though such capabilities remain purely conceptual at this stage.

To power these robotic devices, Apple is reportedly developing a new AI “personality” that would go beyond the current capabilities of its Siri voice assistant.

This AI system would leverage recent advances in generative AI to create a more natural, conversational interface for users to interact with their home robots.

The push into robotics at Apple is being led by Kevin Lynch, vice president of technology, who previously headed the company’s car project and Apple Watch software engineering.

While the much-rumored Apple Car never materialized, the technical expertise gained from that endeavor may prove valuable in tackling the challenges of consumer robotics.

Apple’s interest in robotics comes as no surprise, given that other tech giants like Amazon, Tesla, and NVIDIA are also investing heavily in this space.

However, some industry watchers question whether there is sufficient consumer demand for home robots to justify Apple’s entry into the market.

Philip Elmer-DeWitt, a veteran Apple journalist, expressed skepticism about the mass-market appeal of products like a robotic iPad for video calls.

He suggested that Apple may be using these early robotic concepts to stake a claim in what it sees as a potentially promising future market, leveraging its substantial financial resources to explore new product categories.

For now, Apple fans and tech enthusiasts will have to wait for more concrete details about the company’s robotics plans.

In the meantime, Apple’s next product event on September 9th is expected to focus on more familiar territory: the launch of the iPhone 16 and updates to the iOS operating system.