Apple Plans 2026 Launch for Robotic Home Device with 360º Display

Apple is reportedly accelerating the development of a tabletop robotic home device, aiming for a release as soon as 2026 or 2027. The device is expected to feature a large display, similar to an iPad, mounted on a sleek, robotic arm that can tilt up and down and rotate a full 360 degrees. This versatile design would allow the device to function as a smart home command center, a videoconferencing tool, and a home security monitor.

Advanced Features and Apple Intelligence Integration

The rumored device would leverage Apple’s voice assistant, Siri, and integrate with Apple Intelligence to offer a seamless, interactive experience. Users could issue verbal commands, and the device would recognize different voices and automatically adjust the display to face whoever is speaking. This capability would be particularly useful for tasks like video calls, where the screen could track and maintain focus on the user.

Development Led by Kevin Lynch

According to reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has recently prioritized the development of this robotic device, placing it under the leadership of Kevin Lynch, Apple's vice president of technology. Lynch has overseen several of Apple’s high-profile projects, including the Apple Watch and the now-defunct self-driving car initiative.

Apple has reportedly dedicated a team of several hundred people to work on this new product, which is currently being tested with a customized version of iPadOS. The company is focusing on refining the device’s functionality and ensuring it meets the high standards expected from Apple products.

Pricing and Market Position

The device is expected to be priced around $1,000, although this may change as development continues. Apple is likely positioning this product as a premium offering in the home robotics market, which has seen increasing interest from major tech companies.

Comparison with Competitors

Apple’s move into home robotics follows the launch of the Vision Pro earlier this year and the cancellation of its rumored car project. The company joins other tech giants in exploring this space, with Samsung previously unveiling its Ballie robot and Amazon developing its Astro bot, although Amazon recently discontinued the business version of Astro amid rumors of upcoming AI upgrades.

As the development progresses, Apple’s new device could mark a significant step forward in integrating robotics with everyday home technology, offering a unique combination of smart home management, security, and communication tools in a single, interactive package.