Apple is reportedly developing two separate robotics projects that are set to revolutionize the smart home of the future. These innovations follow the abandonment of the brand's autonomous car project Apple in 2024.
Apple is rumored to be working on two types of robots: a mobile humanoid robot and a stationary anthropomorphic robot. The humanoid robot would be designed to assist the user in simple tasks and follow them in their movements. The anthropomorphic robot, meanwhile, would be equipped with a screen similar to that of an iPad attached to a robotic arm, and would be mainly dedicated to videoconferencing.
Although these projects are still far from being finalized, some details on their potential functionalities have emerged. The screen robot, identified under the code name J595, would have been approved by Apple management in 2022. It was originally scheduled for release in 2026 or 2027, but analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently suggested that mass production wouldn't begin until 2028.
A prototype robotic lamp?
In February 2025, Apple surprised by presenting a prototype robotic lamp, demonstrating its ability to respond to gestures and voice commands from the user. This smart lamp, resembling the Pixar character Luxo Jr., can adjust its position, answer questions via a voice interface similar to Siri, and even project video tutorials.
However, it is important to note that this prototype is only a proof of concept. The final production robot is expected to be equipped with an iPad-like screen rather than a lamp. This more advanced version could serve as a multimedia device, controlled by Siri and Apple's artificial intelligence. It could also offer enhanced videoconferencing features, automatically adjusting the position of the camera or screen.
Regarding the mobile humanoid robot, little information is available at the moment. It could offer deep integration with Apple's smart home devices, perform simple tasks, and respond to voice commands. As for pricing, the screen-based robot could be priced around $1,000, but there's been no word on how much the humanoid robot will cost.
It's crucial to keep in mind that these projects are still in early development. Apple has abandoned many projects in the past, including the Apple Car, and it's likely several years before we see these robots on the market, if they ever do.
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