Apple is reportedly developing an innovative device featuring a robotic arm, an iPad-like screen, and advanced AI capabilities, with a target price of around $1,000.
According to Bloomberg’s technology expert Mark Gurman, Apple is actively working on a desktop robot project. This device is expected to have a screen similar to an iPad, mounted on a robotic arm that allows for flexible, multi-directional adjustments. Designed as a smart home control center, the robot will support functions like video conferencing, FaceTime, and home security monitoring.
Apple’s Ambitious Robot Butler Project
The robot butler will integrate with Siri and Apple’s AI, enabling it to respond to voice commands, recognize different users’ voices, and automatically adjust the screen to maintain alignment with the user.
Codenamed J595, this project was greenlit by Apple leadership in 2022 but has only recently become a priority. The development team now includes several hundred people, led by Kevin Lynch, Apple’s Vice President of Technology, who has previously overseen projects like the Apple Watch.
While there are concerns about consumer interest in such a robotic device and the costs associated with developing its software, the project has strong support from Apple CEO Tim Cook and hardware engineering chief John Teñus.
Apple is reportedly planning to launch the device between 2026 and 2027, with ongoing efforts to reduce the price to approximately $1,000.
