Highlights

• Foxconn reportedly is tasked with manufacturing the robot arm and casings for Apple’s first Robot.
• Apple is fast-tracking plans for a hybrid device combining an iPad-like display with a robotic arm.
• Reports say Apple has a dedicated team of several hundred people working on this.
• The product could be similar to a “pricey tabletop home device.”

Earlier this week, we reported that Apple is fast-tracking its plans to produce its first robot screen.

It was also speculated by insiders that this device will most likely be a hybrid that combines an iPad-like display with a robotic arm.

While this ambitious project is still in its early stages, we are now getting words from a supply-chain report suggesting Foxconn has been commissioned to produce key components for Apple’s upcoming innovation. Here’s the complete story.

Foxconn to Supply Key Components

In a recent supply-chain report, it has been confirmed that Foxconn, a long-time Apple supplier, has been tasked with manufacturing the robot arm and casings for this device.

The reports highlight that the Taiwanese company is known for its expertise in robotic components through its “FoxBot” robot.

It also reveals that Apple’s upcoming product is codenamed “J595.”

The report cited in the iPhone Addict (a French Publication) story mentions, “Hongzhun [part of Foxconn], which is recognized for its expertise in the mass production of robotic components – in particular with Hon Hai’s “FoxBot” robot – would produce the mechanical components and housings of Apple’s future office robot, a robot whose code name would be “J595. This device would have a screen similar to that of the iPad and a robotic arm, thus becoming a central system for Apple’s home automation ecosystem.”

What Is Apple’s First Robot?

Mark Gurman from Bloomberg recently revealed that Apple has dedicated a team of several hundred people to this project.

Apple’s first robot screen is said to involve a tabletop home device that will be capable of tilting and rotating its screen.

This will be possible with the help of an integrated robotic limb.

The device, described as a “pricey tabletop home device,” will feature a display that can tilt up, down, and rotate 360 degrees, all powered by a thin robotic arm.

This upcoming product aims to be a central piece in Apple’s home automation ecosystem, enhancing the user experience by allowing dynamic screen movements.

After the initial reports, many tech enthusiasts pointed out that the concept of the product sounds complex.

However, the recent report suggests the final product could be simpler than expected.

Tech reporter 9to5Mac, Ben Lovejoy said, “What would make sense is the approach Google took with its tablet: A speaker to which the tablet magnetically attaches. In other words, the Magic Keyboard attachment for a speaker. With the iPad controlling it, the speaker could essentially use the same software that powers Center Stage, but this time pass commands to the speaker dock to rotate or pitch the iPad up or down as required.”

We do not have any official confirmation as of now.

However, as development progresses, more details about are expected to emerge.

FAQs

Q1. What new features can we expect in the iPhone 16 series?

Answer. The iPhone 16 series will introduce several new features, including a new Action button, a Capture button for taking videos in landscape orientation, and vertically arranged rear cameras for capturing spatial video.

The iPhone 16 Pro models will have larger displays (6.3 and 6.9 inches) and a faster A18 chip.

Q2. Are there any new AirPods coming out?

Answer. Apple plans to release new AirPods alongside the iPhone 16 lineup.

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

Both models will have a new design with shorter stems and an upgraded USB-C charging case with a built-in speaker for Find My.

Q3. What role does Foxconn play in Apple’s product manufacturing?

Answer. Foxconn is a key manufacturing partner for Apple, responsible for assembling a wide range of Apple products, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

Foxconn’s expertise in electronics manufacturing and its ability to scale production quickly has made it an essential partner for Apple, helping to meet the high demand for Apple’s products.

Q4. How old are the Foxconn and Apple partnership?

Answer. The partnership between Foxconn and Apple began in 2000 when Foxconn started producing iMacs.

This collaboration significantly boosted Foxconn’s technological capabilities.

Over the years, the partnership has expanded to include the production of various Apple devices.

Recently, Foxconn has also been involved in manufacturing components for Apple’s AI and robotics projects, reflecting the deepening and evolving nature of their collaboration.

Q5. Will there be any updates to the Mac lineup?

Answer. Yes, Apple will begin updating the Mac lineup with M4 chips starting in late 2024 and early 2025.

Q6. 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.

Q7. Belkin’s Auto-Tracking Stand Pro offers the same features as yet-to-be-released Apple smart home device?

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.

Q8. 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.

Also Read: Apple To Enter Tabletop Robotic Smart Screen Era in Search of New Revenue

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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