Apple is moving forward with the development of a high-end desktop device that integrates an iPad-like display with a robotic arm, according to a Bloomberg report of Mark GurmanThis product, which uses a robotic limb to move a large screen, is designed to serve as a smart home Command center, video conferencing tool and remote-controlled home security device. The project, codenamed J595, was approved by Apple’s executive team in 2022 and has gained momentum in recent months.
According to Gurman, the device represents a shift toward robotics for Apple as part of its broader strategy to boost sales and capitalize on Apple Intelligence, a suite of artificial intelligence technologies. This move comes after the company decided to pause its efforts to develop a self-driving car earlier this year. The robotic arm allows the screen to tilt, rotate 360 degrees, and reposition itself, offering a unique twist on similar products like Amazon’s Echo Show 10 and the discontinued Meta Portal.
Bloomberg’s report by Mark revealed that the development of this device is being spearheaded by a team of several hundred people, including key players like Kevin Lynch, Apple’s vice president of technology. Lynch, who has been instrumental in projects like the Apple Watch and the now-defunct car initiative, reports to John Giannandrea, Apple’s head of artificial intelligence. The hardware portion of the project is overseen by Matt Costello, who is leading the development of Apple’s HomePod smart speaker. The company is also working on other robotic concepts, including robots that can move around the home and potentially a humanoid version, led by robotics expert Hanns Wolfram Tappeiner.
The device is expected to be controlled primarily through Siri and Apple Intelligence, allowing it to respond to voice commands and adjust its focus during video calls based on who’s speaking. Current prototypes run a customized version of the iPad’s operating system, and Apple aims to release the device in 2026 or 2027 with a target price of around $1,000. However, plans could still change as the development process progresses, Gurman notes.
Despite the ambitious nature of the project, there are doubts at Apple about its market appeal and whether consumers will be willing to pay for such a product. Apple has struggled to gain a foothold in the smart home device market, with products such as the HomePod speaker and Apple TV set-top box lagging behind competitors. The company is also exploring other avenues for growth, including augmented reality glasses, smart glasses similar to Meta’s Ray-Bans, and a foldable iPad, which is expected to come to market in 2027 or 2028.
Apple’s foray into robotics and other new technologies is part of its broader effort to diversify its revenue streams as iPhone sales have shown slow growth in recent quarters.
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