Apple to Launch Home Robot: A New Revolution for the Smart Home

This new "Next Big Thing" from Apple, a butler robot integrated with an iPad, is expected to be priced at just $1,000.

Promising to revolutionize household life, this new device is significantly cheaper than the Apple Vision Pro.

In a bold move, Apple is secretly developing a new home robot device, expected to launch between 2026 and 2027. According to a report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the project is being developed by a team of hundreds of experts under the direction of Kevin Lynch, Apple's Vice President of Technology.

The device is described as a unique combination of an iPad-like screen and a robotic arm. With the ability to tilt up and down and rotate 360 degrees, it promises to become a versatile control center for the smart home. Expected functions include controlling smart devices, participating in video conferences, and monitoring home security.

Matt Costello, head of HomePod development, is overseeing the hardware aspect of the project. Meanwhile, Hanns Wolfram Tappeiner, a robotics expert, is leading a team of about 100 engineers (many of whom previously worked on Apple’s canceled car project) to develop mobile robot versions and even humanoid robots.

Before Apple, other competitors, including Google, Amazon, and Meta, had tried to introduce smart display devices for households—tablets fixed in the home to control smart devices rather than being carried around. However, Apple aims to surpass these competitors by integrating a robotic arm for more flexible movement than the competition.

In terms of software, the device is expected to run a customized version of iPadOS. Users will primarily interact with it through Siri and other Apple Intelligence features. One of the standout features mentioned is voice recognition and the ability to respond to the command "look at me," allowing the device to automatically adjust its screen direction toward the speaker.

Apple is targeting a price point of around $1,000 for this product, positioning it as a premium device that remains accessible to consumers. However, with the launch still a few years away, the product's plans and specifications may change.

This move marks Apple's latest step in home technology after the company launched Vision Pro and officially closed its car project earlier this year. It also shows that Apple is pursuing the home robotics trend, a field that competitors like Samsung with Ballie and Amazon with Astro have already begun to explore.

With a reputation for creating groundbreaking products and a well-established smart device ecosystem, Apple is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the home robotics market. However, the success of this product will depend on Apple's ability to balance technological innovation with practical application in users' daily lives.

As the launch date approaches, the tech community and consumers are sure to keep a close eye on any updates regarding this new Apple product, a device with the potential to reshape how we interact with technology in our living spaces.