Rumors of Apple’s tabletop robot device could have these features
Apple may be developing a tabletop device that uses robotics to control various smart home devices, according to a report. The alleged device would have a robotic arm that can move an iPad placed on top that acts as a display. The development builds on an earlier claim that the Cupertino-based tech giant could introduce Apple Intelligence – its suite of artificial intelligence (AI) features – to its smart home devices, but that none of its existing devices would get it. Instead, a device in development is said to have the Apple Intelligence features.
Apple Tabletop Robot Device
According to a report (Behind a paywall) According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s alleged smart home gadget is said to essentially be an iPad with AI features that will be attached to a robotic arm. It’s speculated to have actuators that can tilt the screen and even rotate it 360 degrees. The device is said to be codenamed J595. The idea for the device was reportedly approved by the company in 2022, but development has only gained momentum in recent months.
According to Gurman, it would serve three purposes, the first of which is as a smart home command center that would control all of the connected devices in a home. Additionally, it could also serve as a video conferencing device, and its 360-degree rotating robotic arm could help it mimic the user’s head movement during a FaceTime call. The alleged device could also be used as a remote-controlled home security tool.
Previous reports have suggested that the upcoming device could be Apple’s first home device to feature Apple Intelligence features. Gurman says it could be controlled using Siri, the company’s AI-powered voice assistant. Using the robotic arm, it’s speculated that it could respond to commands such as “look at me” by moving the screen so it faces the speaker.
Gurman first mentioned the device in an article in April reportwhere he said it would be “an advanced tabletop home device that uses robotics to move a display.” At the time, it was reported that its development was being led by John Giannandrea, Apple’s senior vice president of machine learning and AI strategy, in collaboration with the engineering department. Two other Apple executives — Matt Costello and Brian Lynch — were also said to be involved in the project.
However, the latest report suggests that Kevin Lynch, who led the now-cancelled Apple Car project, is solely responsible for developing the tabletop model. The iPhone maker expects to launch the product in 2026 or 2027 and is said to be working on bringing the price down to $1,000 (roughly Rs. 84,000).
