Highlights

• Apple is developing a tabletop robot with an iPad-like display and a robotic arm.
• The device will feature a large screen that can tilt and rotate 360 degrees, controlled by Siri and Apple Intelligence features.
• Codenamed J595, the project is now being fast-tracked, with a potential launch in 2026 or 2027.
• Expected to be priced around $1,000.

Apple is reportedly making significant strides in personal robotics and their latest project could be a game-changer.

According to a new report by Bloomberg, the tech giant is moving forward with the development of a tabletop robot.

It interestingly marks a new direction for the company as it is admittedly on a journey to explore new revenue opportunities.

Here’s everything we know about this project.

This new device is expected to combine an iPad-like display with a robotic arm, according to trusted Apple insider Mark Gurman from Bloomberg.

Apple aims to develop a high-end home device that features a large screen attached to a slim robotic arm.

This setup would allow the display to tilt and rotate 360 degrees using actuators.

The product design would offer a unique twist on many similar products we can see in the market today like Amazon’s Echo Show 10 or the Meta’s now-discontinued Portal.

The device is rumoured to serve as an all-in-one smart home hub, video conferencing system, and remote-controlled security device.

Gurman in his Bloomberg report mentions, “The company now has a team of several hundred people working on the device, which uses a thin robotic arm to move around a large screen, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The product, which relies on actuators to tilt the display up and down and make it spin 360 degrees […] is envisioned as a smart home command centre, videoconferencing machine and remote-controlled home security tool.”

Sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to Bloomberg, revealed that this project—codenamed J595—was approved by Apple’s executive team back in 2022.

However, it was only recently that the company’s creative core picked up speed.

Apple planning on venturing out to such a device shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone.

After the mega announcement of Apple Intelligence during WWDC 2024, progression into the domestic robotic category seems natural.

The idea behind this tabletop robot is very clearly to use Siri and upcoming Apple Intelligence features as the primary control system.

For instance, during a video call, you could simply say, “Look at me,” and the screen would automatically adjust to focus on you.

It’s also expected to recognize different voices and shift its focus accordingly.

The report further suggests that the prototypes are being tested and are reportedly running a modified version of iPadOS.

A spokesperson for Apple declined to comment.

Doesn’t Apple Already Sell Robotic Smart Screen?

We have to be honest, once a 9to5Mac report highlighted in their recent story, the concept of Apple’s rumoured Tabletop Robot Smart Screen quickly seemed familiar.

The company already offers a similar product, which is powered by a feature introduced in iOS 17 called DockKit.

Last year, with the release of iOS 17, Apple launched DockKit, a feature designed to add smart capabilities to certain iPhone accessories.

Here’s what Apple says about DockKit: “DockKit interfaces with DockKit-compatible motorized stands known as dock accessories to track the location of objects that appear in video frames. It determines how to best position the iPhone camera to frame and track objects, with improved person tracking using combined body and face tracking for human subjects. This feature, known as system tracking, automatically starts as soon as a person docks the iPhone onto a compatible motorized stand and launches the Camera app.”

In simple terms, DockKit allows iPhone accessories like stands or gimbals to automatically move and track subjects using the iPhone’s camera system.

This functionality is quite similar to what the rumoured ‘robotic smart screen’ from Apple is expected to do.

DockKit is already in use with the Insta360 Flow Pro gimbal, which is a great option if you’re into iPhone videography.

However, the DockKit accessory that most closely aligns with Apple’s rumoured future home device is the motorized Belkin iPhone stand. This one is also designed for tabletop use.

Belkin’s Auto-Tracking Stand Pro offers the same features as the yet-to-be-released Apple smart home device.

Belkin’s Auto-Tracking Stand Pro features:

• 360° face, body, and movement tracking
• Motorized 90° auto-tilt for automatic video angle adjustments
• Compatibility with FaceTime and other popular video conferencing apps
• A single button to activate and deactivate tracking
• 15W MagSafe wireless charging with a power supply plug-in
• 5-hour rechargeable batteries for use without a power supply plug-in

To be more precise, all you need is an iPhone and a Belkkin’s stand to build your tabletop robotic screen. Pairing your iPhone with Belkin’s stand will combine an iPhone display with a robotic swivelling stand.

Belkin’s Auto-Tracking Stand Pro is currently available at Apple stores.

Is Apple Fast Tracking the Tabletop Robot Project?

Apple’s move into robotics is part of a broader strategy to boost sales and capitalize on its upcoming Apple Intelligence features.

As of now, the Apple Intelligence features are set to roll out to iPhone, iPad, and Mac starting this year.

The Bloomberg report further suggests the development of this tabletop robot is reportedly being fast-tracked.

The Cupertino giant is on track with a potential launch window as early as 2026 or 2027.

Apple is aiming to price the device around $1,000, although with several years before its release, these plans could still change.

The project is now under the leadership of Kevin Lynch, a seasoned executive who previously headed Apple’s self-driving car initiative and Apple Watch software development.

To recall, this initiative follows Apple’s decision to halt its self-driving car project earlier this year.

It was widely speculated that the company will have to explore new growth avenues after shutting doors on one of the most ambitious projects.

It was previously reported that Apple’s industrial design team has been delving into tabletop robotic concepts for years.

However, there was no consensus within the company.

The opposition was particularly among the software engineering and marketing teams, on whether to proceed or not.

The marketing group expressed concerns about consumer willingness to pay for such a product.

Meanwhile, top software engineering executives worried about the staffing resources needed to develop the necessary software.

Despite these concerns, Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook and John Ternus, the head of hardware engineering, are seen as strong advocates for the device.

FAQs

Q1. What new iPhones are expected to be released in 2024?

Answer. Apple is expected to release the iPhone 16 lineup in September 2024.

The new models will feature an Action button, a Capture button for video, vertically arranged rear cameras, and the faster A18 chip.

Q2. What updates are coming to the Apple Watch in 2024?

Answer. The Apple Watch Series 10, also known as Apple Watch X, is expected to feature a redesigned, thinner body with a magnetic band attachment system.

New health features like blood pressure monitoring and sleep apnea detection are also rumoured.

Q3. Are there any new MacBook Pro models coming in 2024?

Answer. Yes, Apple plans to refresh the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with the new M4 chips.

These updates will focus on improved performance, efficiency, and AI capabilities, with no major design changes expected.

Q4. What can we expect from the new iMac in 2024?

Answer. The 24-inch iMac is expected to be updated with the M4 chip, offering better performance and efficiency.

There are no significant design changes anticipated, and it will continue to be available in multiple colour options.

Q5. Will there be new AirPods released in 2024?

Answer. Yes, Apple is expected to release the fourth-generation AirPods alongside the iPhone 16 lineup.

There will be two models: a lower-cost version and a more expensive version with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).

Both models will feature a new design with shorter stems and an upgraded USB-C charging case.

Q6. What are main drawbacks with Belkin’s DockKit stand ?

Answer.You won’t have HomePod-quality audio.

Your iPhone’s display isn’t as large as what will likely come on Apple’s device. (Then again, this year’s 16 Pro and Pro Max will have bigger screens than ever.)

Q7. What are the different tasks you can do with your iPhone attached to Belkin stand ?

Answer. • You can perform Siri tasks, such as controlling smart home devices, setting timers, creating reminders, etc.

• On supported iPhones, you can simply say ‘Siri’ as the phrase rather than ‘Hey Siri’—an improvement over what’s possible on HomePod till now .

• The user can use iOS 18’s new Vocal Shortcuts feature to create custom voice commands for performing almost any action on your iPhone, entirely hands-free.

Also Read: Apple Navigating Smartphone Market Evolution: Strategies for Global Leadership

Also Read: Apple Reportedly Exploreing Entry Into Home Robotics and Tabletop Devices

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