Apple is reportedly exploring the development of both humanoid and non-humanoid robots as part of its broader vision for smart home products. This information comes from Ming-Chi Kuo, a well-known supply chain analyst, who shared his insights through MacRumors. While Apple’s plans are intriguing, Kuo cautions that these robotic projects are still in the early stages and are currently in the proof-of-concept phase. As such, they are unlikely to see mass production before 2028, and there is uncertainty about whether they will progress to that point.
Kuo’s comments come on the heels of reports about Apple’s robotics team working on innovative robotic devices. One notable creation is a lamp-like robot, which is said to feature fluid, lifelike movements. This new development further supports previous claims made by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. In particular, Gurman had reported that Apple’s team was working on a tabletop robot with an iPad-style display mounted on a robotic arm. This type of design hints at Apple’s ambition to integrate more interactive, robot-based technologies into their product lineup.
The idea of incorporating humanoid robots into the smart home ecosystem represents a significant shift in Apple’s approach to hardware. Although Apple has yet to formally announce any official products in this category, there is speculation that the company could unveil such devices within the next few years. According to Kuo, an official product announcement could be possible as early as 2026 or 2027, signaling that Apple may be aiming to introduce these robots in the not-too-distant future.
Despite the optimistic outlook, Kuo emphasizes that these robotic products are still in the conceptual phase, and it remains uncertain how they will evolve. For example, Apple could encounter various technical challenges in making these robots practical and commercially viable. The proof-of-concept phase is often a testing ground for new ideas, and it is unclear whether these robots will ultimately be deemed feasible for mass production, especially given the complexity of humanoid robotics.
Apple’s efforts in the robotics space are still in their infancy, with early prototypes and concepts showing promise but no concrete plans for immediate release. If successful, these robots could redefine the smart home experience, adding a new layer of interaction and functionality. However, the timeline for their introduction remains uncertain, and Apple fans may have to wait several years before seeing any tangible progress in this area.
According to the report, Gurman also hinted that the tabletop robot would incorporate Apple’s virtual assistant, Siri, along with its growing Apple Intelligence system. This integration would enable the device to respond to voice commands, such as “look at me,” allowing it to adjust the screen to maintain eye contact during FaceTime calls. Furthermore, the robot is expected to include voice recognition technology, enabling it to distinguish between different users for a more personalized experience.
According to reports, this potential robotic device could serve as a premium alternative to Apple’s much-anticipated smart home hub, which is expected to launch later this year. While the smart home hub is rumored to be priced around $1,000, the final pricing is still uncertain and may change before its release.
Despite these exciting prospects, Kuo’s latest analysis indicates that Apple’s robotics ambitions may take longer to come to fruition than initially anticipated. With mass production of these robotic devices unlikely before 2028, it remains unclear whether they will ultimately transition from concept to commercial products or stay within Apple’s research and development phase for the time being.
Apple is reportedly preparing for a series of product launches, with the highly anticipated iPhone SE 4 and M4-powered MacBook Air expected to take the spotlight. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the tech giant may begin its announcement cycle as soon as February 12, with key product reveals set to follow in the weeks ahead.
