Apple's future in home robotics could be arriving sooner than expected. The tech giant could release a groundbreaking tabletop device by 2026. Priced at around US$1,000 (S$1,317), this device is set to revolutionise the way you interact with your smart home.
A new direction after the electric car project
Following the cancellation of Apple's electric car project earlier this year, rumours began to circulate about the company's next big move. It appears that Apple is now focussing its innovation on home robotics, and the first product in this new venture is likely to be a tabletop device featuring a robotic arm with a mounted display.
The latest reports, particularly from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, indicate that this project is progressing rapidly. Apple is expected to position this device as a “smart home command centre,” offering an intuitive way to manage your connected home devices.
Advanced features with Apple Intelligence
What sets this upcoming device apart is its advanced functionality. Imagine an iPad-like screen mounted on a robotic arm. This arm, controlled by Apple's Siri and Apple Intelligence, will be capable of tilting, rotating, and moving the display according to your needs. Whether you're video conferencing, monitoring home security, or simply enjoying multimedia content, the device will adapt to provide the best viewing experience.
The device is also designed to respond to verbal commands, making it easy to operate without touching anything. Apple's integration of Siri will allow you to control the device hands-free, enhancing convenience and usability in your everyday life.
Strong backing from Apple's leadership
Despite some initial scepticism about the device's practicality, the project has gained significant momentum within Apple's senior management. Apple CEO Tim Cook, known for his forward-thinking approach, reportedly fully backs this project. Additionally, John Ternus, Apple's senior vice president of hardware engineering, is said to be on board. This strong leadership support will likely ensure the project stays on track for its anticipated 2026 release.
Kevin Lynch, Apple's Vice President of Technology, will oversee the development. Lynch, who has a strong track record of driving innovation at Apple, is expected to play a pivotal role in bringing this ambitious project to life.
As the project continues to develop, it's clear that Apple is committed to pushing the boundaries of home technology. If successful, this device could pave the way for more sophisticated home robotics, marking a significant shift in how we think about and interact with smart home devices.
