Apple is prioritizing the development of a 150,000 yen 'tabletop home robot with robotic limbs on an iPad,' and is aiming to release it in 2026-2027, according to reports.

by Antonio Marín Segovia

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, an Apple insider, has reported that Apple is working on a project to develop a desktop robotic device for the home.

Apple (AAPL) Pushes Ahead with Tabletop Home Device in Shift to Robotics - Bloomberg
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-08-14/apple-pushes-ahead-with-tabletop-home-device-in-shift-to-robotics

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https://www.pymnts.com/apple/2024/report-apple-developing-robotics-supported-display-for-videoconferencing-home-security/

According to reports, the device under development will have a shape that combines an iPad-like display with a robotic arm, and will be able to perform tasks such as turning to face the user during video calls. In addition to video calling, it will also be able to be used for smart home management and home security, and is expected to be integrated with Siri and Apple Intelligence.

Apple Intelligence is a personal AI announced at WWDC24 on June 11, 2024. Although it is expected to be installed in the iPhone 16 in 2024, Gurman points out that 'I don't think this feature alone is a reason to switch devices.'

It is reported that the 2024 'iPhone 16' will have Apple Intelligence as its biggest selling point, and the 2025 'iPhone 17' will have a new ultra-thin mid-range model 'iPhone Air' and a revamped lineup - GIGAZINE

The home desktop robot device project was approved in 2022, and development has accelerated since 2024, with hundreds of people working on the project under the management of Kevin Lynch, who has overseen projects such as the Apple Watch and self-driving car ventures, as of August 2024. The launch is expected to be between 2026 and 2027, and the price is expected to be $1,000 (about 150,000 yen), Gurman said.

During the earnings call on August 1, 2024, Apple CEO Tim Cook said, 'As Apple integrates ChatGPT into the iPhone, Mac and iPad experience, AI has 'extraordinary potential.'' 'Apple Intelligence will be a 'compelling' reason to upgrade your hardware.'

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