Apple's AI Comeback: Tabletop Robots, Smart Displays, and a New Siri on the Horizon

Apple Reportedly Planning AI Comeback, Complete With a Tabletop Robot

Apple wants a bigger place in your home, according to a report posted Wednesday from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. While you might think of Apple primarily because it provides your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, MacBook, AirPods and more, the tech giant reportedly hopes to use artificial intelligence to sell you a number of new smart home devices. Those devices may include a tabletop robot, home security cameras and a smart speaker with a screen. A representative for Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. According to Bloomberg, it's the tabletop robot, reportedly coming in 2027, that is the center of the plan. Bloomberg -- and CNET -- have reported on this plan before. At that time, the company reportedly had two concepts in mind: a robot that can move around the home, and a tabletop robotic device. Now, Bloomberg says the robot "will feature a lifelike version of Siri and the ability to engage with users throughout the day." It reportedly resembles an iPad mounted on a movable limb that can reposition itself to face you. Former CNET senior editor Lisa Eadicicco wrote in 2024 that "perhaps the biggest challenge when it comes to a home robot is that the market is unproven." We've all seen the robot maid Rosie on the old Jetsons cartoon, but do we really need or want a robotic helper in our homes? Another item Apple is reportedly working on is essentially a smart speaker with a screen. Bloomberg calls this a "stripped-down version of the robot." It won't have a robotic arm or conversational Siri, but it should be able to do such things as music playback, note taking, control home devices and video conferencing. Bloomberg says it will run a new operating system called Charismatic. Home security cameras are becoming more and more popular, and Apple wants to move into that realm as well. The company will make cameras that will anchor an Apple security system, the report says.

Apple's 'tabletop robot' companion rumored for 2027 launch

Apple is still hard at work on becoming a relevant player in AI. The latest missive from Mark Gurman at suggests that Apple is shifting its artificial intelligence goals to center on new device segments. Sources reportedly told the publication that Apple has a slate of new smart home products in the works that could help pivot its lagging AI strategy. The center of the new lineup is a tabletop AI companion that has been described as an iPad on a movable robotic arm. It would be able to swivel to face the screen toward a user as they move around their home or office. Sources said the current prototype uses a horizontal display that's about seven inches while the motorized arm can move the screen about six inches away from the base in any direction. Equipped with a to the Siri voice assistant, this device could act like an additional person, recalling information, making suggestions and participating in conversations. According to Bloomberg, Apple is targeting a 2027 release for this product. Apple's new lineup is also rumored to include a smart home hub that is a simpler version of the robotic friend with no moving stand. We might be seeing this sooner, with a projected 2026 release for the device. This hub device would be able to control music playback, take notes, browse the web and host videoconferencing. Both the robot companion and the smart home hub are reportedly running a new operating system called Charismatic that's designed to support multiple users. The Siri running on the device will be given a particularly cheery personality, and it may also be getting a visual representation. Bloomberg's sources said there hasn't been a final decision on aesthetics; internal tests have had Siri looking like an animated Finder icon and like a Memoji. Today's scuttlebutt follows on previous reports from Gurman that pointed to Apple's interest in these categories. The idea of a smart home hub was apparently floated at the company as far back as 2022, and it's finally being to have a formal debut some time this year. Robots have also been a topic of interest in Cupertino for some time, with claims that Apple was developing a personal robot dating back . While this Bloomberg piece offers more detail about those hypothetical plans, there's always a chance Apple will change direction or scrap a project.

Apple's AI-Enabled iPad on a Robot Arm May Interrupt Your Conversations (In a Positive Way)

Imagine your home filled with Apple smart home products. Now imagine they interrupt you mid-speech. Sure, Apple’s AI-enhanced Siri rollout turned into a massive SNAFU that gave the Cupertino tech giant a rare black eye, but the company won’t quit on Apple Intelligence just yet. The latest reports suggest Apple will try and sell consumers on at-home robots set to arrive in the next two years, along with a version of its AI assistant that sports a face and “personality.†If the rumors are true, the company won’t stuff AI into a ball-shaped bot that users hopefully won’t trip over, but will put it on your tabletop in the form of a robot arm with a screen. That, and more Apple smart home products, are allegedly set to launch within the next two years. This robot, which my tech-addled brain can't stop referring to as "Apple Intelligence on a stick," will reportedly be able to interact with users on a more personal basis. We’ve heard about this supposed home robotics project before, but Bloomberg’s star Apple leaker Mark Gurman wrote on Wednesday that Apple wants to give the bot the ability to interject itself into conversations as if it were an active participant. The iPad mini-sized screen at the end of an extending robot arm could show a cartoonish face that would be the most personified version of Siri yet. Apple has reportedly tested two versions of Siri's virtual identity. One is an animated version of the classic Finder logo on Mac. Another looks like a Memoji. I desperately hope Apple opts for the former. If you’re trying to picture this AI in action, think less of the Samantha AI from the 2013 movie Her and imagine the Luxo Jr. mascot from Pixar Studios. This AI could be playful, awkward, and maybe even a little bashful. Apple showcased how this AI would work in a research paper it published back in January. The prototype AI framework, which Apple called ELEGNT, can follow commands and users’ movements, but it may interact in more subtle ways that make it seem far more personable. Instead of outright telling you the weather forecast on command, the bot may look out the window, look back, and then say it’s sunny with a chance of rain. As fun as it sounds, what matters more is if it's as functional as selecting an app on a screen. Home AI like Amazon’s Alexa+ has rolled out slowly over the past few months. Early reviews of Amazon’s at-home chatbot have noted that it can hold a conversation, but it’s still not good enough to recognize specific context for your queries. Apple reportedly still has designs on humanoid robots, or at least something that will roll on wheels like TCL’s AiMe or Samsung’s Ballie. Those are still just prototypes, but we’ll more likely see more Apple smart home products, like a doorbell camera and other home security devices. Gurman’s slate of anonymous sources suggests Apple Intelligence on a stick may arrive in 2027, though we’ll get a more subdued version that’s closer to a smart speaker with a display before that. That device sounds like a HomePod version of an Echo Spot or Google Nest Hub, though this device should be wall-mountable. It won’t have the conversational Siri, but it will have access to note-taking, video calls, and smart home controls through all the usual standby apps like Calendar, FaceTime, and Apple Music. All this could run in a new operating system that is currently codenamed Charismatic. None of this push for robotics will matter if Apple can’t get its house in order, and that starts with Apple Intelligence and Siri. Apple is reportedly still planning to launch what it’s dubbed internally as “LLM Siri,†according to Gurman. That voice assistant may be available by spring next year, though we’ve been burned before on dates for Apple’s previous AI rollouts. This new version may feature yet another visual redesign to help us forget about the first time Apple tried giving Siri an AI makeover. Whether Apple opts for in-house models or outside LLMs like Anthropic’s Claude, we’ll first have to deal with AI infecting our smartphones before we ever wrestle with any AI-enabled robotic arms.

Pixar Lamp-style robot, lifelike Siri in Apple's reported AI plans

Apple Inc. is preparing a major push into artificial intelligence with new devices across the home and personal tech markets. The company's pipeline includes a tabletop robot, an upgraded Siri, a smart speaker with a display, and home-security cameras. Bloomberg News first reported the plans, citing people familiar with the matter. Apple's shares climbed nearly 2% to $233.70 on Wednesday after the report. The company aims to revive its reputation for innovation and challenge rivals like Samsung, Meta, and Google.

Apple is planning a big AI comeback, but we've heard this song before

Apple's future AI-powered products and services sound fantastic, but Apple's unannounced future products usually do. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has a juicy new report today detailing Apple's future plans for AI and robotics, which he pitches as a "turnaround" for the company. A comeback of sorts, for a company that has badly missed the boat and disappointed fans with its AI ambitions so far. These future releases all sound great. There are robots, smart home products, and big Siri improvements... but we've heard this kind of promise before. From Apple Car to Vision Pro, to folding iPhones, we've heard rumors of Apple stuff coming "in a couple years" that either never materialize or fail to live up to expectations. Apple needs its AI-powered products and services to show up on time (the company is already behind competitors) and impress both fans and critics with their capabilities. Here's what Gurman reports is coming down the pike. The foundation of most of Apple's upcoming projects is a completely new Siri. Built on a large language model like most of the generative AI customers are familiar with today (like ChatGPT), this version of Siri is code-named Linwood, but Apple employees allegedly just call it "LLM Siri." This version of Siri would use personal context to fulfill requests, understand what's on your screen, and take actions within apps. It was meant to debut earlier this year as part of iOS 18, using a hybrid model-the LLM for some things and the standard keywords-based Siri for others. That was untenable, and so the new Siri has been delayed for about a year to get all of Siri unified under this new LLM model. Linwood uses an LLM developed by Apple, but there's a parallel project code-named Glenwood that would use models developed outside Apple. Gurman says no decision has yet been made on what model would be used, but is testing with Anthropic's Claude. Apple is also preparing a new visual design for Siri on iPhones and iPads. Gurman says that Apple employees working on a future robotics project have used ChatGPT or Gemini to build and test features, and that Apple employees are increasingly using AI tools made by other companies. A new Siri is a fundamental part of future projects, but Apple likes to sell new physical products, not just make new software for its existing hardware. The most important one is probably a new tabletop robot, with a screen like an iPad on a motorized, movable limb that can turn, tilt, and reposition itself. If you saw that research project for a robot lamp we wrote about earlier this year, that's what we're talking about-only there will be a screen instead of a lamp head. Giving this robot a personality will be a major selling point, but FaceTime calls (with your iPhone as a "joystick" you can use to move the screen around) is also a priority. This robot is supposed to be sort of a "person in the room," even chiming in on conversations with helpful information. Siri is front-and-center on this device, with a project called "Bubbles" that will give it a visual representation with personality. This tabletop robot is currently anticipated for release in 2027, but plans remain fluid. There are several other robots in earlier stages of development, including one with wheels and one with a large mechanical arm that can be used in manufacturing or the back of retail stores. The tabletop robot and another project-a standalone smart home display-both use a new operating system dubbed Charismatic. They may both feature the new "Siri with a face" and personality, too. But the smart home display is simpler, and could launch as soon as next year. Think of it like the robot without the mechanical arm and with a less conversational Siri. It's meant to handle smart home control, music playback, note-taking, web browsing, and, of course, FaceTime. The new Charismatic OS will center on things like clock faces and widgets, and can scan faces as people approach so it can show that person's preferred layout and information. There will be lots of Apple's standard apps, but the interface will be controlled mostly through widgets and voice. The smart home display is supposed to be a 7-inch square with thin black or white bezels and rounded corners. It sits on a half-dome base that holds some electronics, speakers, and microphones. You'll be able to mount it on a wall, too. An AI-powered camera (code-named J450) is next in Apple's salvo of AI-powered smart home products. Gurman says it will be battery-powered and run for several months to a year on a single charge, similar to many rival home cameras today. It will use facial recognition and infrared sensors to determine who is in a room. In addition to the obvious home security implications, these are meant to assist with home automation. Turning off lights when everyone leaves a room, or playing the music a particular person likes when in the room they're in, for example. This camera is meant to be just the first of an entire line of smart home products to compete with the likes of Ring and Nest. Apple has tested a smart doorbell with facial recognition to unlock the door, Gurman says. Obviously, Apple has to right the ship when it comes to AI. Siri practically popularized the idea of an AI assistant, but now it is seen as lagging far behind the state of the art. But Apple's push to build AI with personality and build it into smart home products marks an entirely new area for the company. It sounds exciting, but we should remind readers of all the articles we've seen about Apple's smart car that never materialized (despite a big team working on it for years), or how the company hyped the spatial computing era as the future, only to deliver one very expensive and only somewhat useful pair of mixed reality goggles. Apple plans always sound great on the rumor mill, and the best stuff is always just two years away. What arrives on our desks and in our pockets is often something else.

Apple's big AI home push: Upgraded Siri, Pixar-like robot, smart display and more -- here's what we know

This could be the comeback Apple needs to save face in the AI race After years of playing catch-up in the AI race, Apple is mounting a full-scale smart home offensive, and it's all powered by a reimagined, more lifelike version of Siri. According to a new Bloomberg report, Apple is planning a wave of AI-infused hardware and software upgrades, including a six-inch smart display, a futuristic robot companion and even a smart security camera; all aimed at turning your home into Siri's new command center. Look out, Alexa+, you may have some real competition now. Siri is getting a major upgrade. Apple is reportedly overhauling Siri to make the assistant more conversational, expressive and intelligent; something critics have long demanded. The company is now working with partners like ChatGPT's OpenAI and Claude's Anthropic to bring next-gen AI to its voice assistant. The overall aim is for a more lifelike Siri that can understand nuance, follow context and interact more naturally, perhaps finally catching up to competitors like ChatGPT and Gemini. The first piece of Apple's smart home revamp could arrive as soon as next year: a six-inch smart display designed to act as a central hub. Think of it as Apple's answer to the Echo Show or Google Nest Hub, but with tight integration into Apple Intelligence, Siri and HomeKit. Mounted on the wall or placed on a table, it will serve as your home's mission control for voice commands, visuals and smart device management. If a smart display isn't enough, Apple is also developing a tabletop robot, and it's aiming for Pixar-level charm. Described as a motorized, lamp-like device that can swivel, track your movements and even dance, the robot would be powered by Apple Intelligence and the upgraded Siri. It's still a few years away (2027 is the target), but this could become Apple's most ambitious hardware project since the original iPhone. Apple is also planning to enter the home security market with a smart camera that's deeply integrated with its ecosystem. Set for a 2026 launch, the camera would reportedly work with Siri for voice control and utilize AI for smart notifications, facial recognition, and more, all while maintaining Apple's privacy-first approach at its core. As iPhone sales flatten and AI heats up, Apple is making a bold play to lock users into a smarter, more connected ecosystem. These new devices would move Siri from a phone-based assistant to the core of your household, with a personality to match. Still, Apple is entering a market where Amazon and Google have a major head start. Whether users embrace a motorized Siri or trust Apple to monitor their homes will depend on how well these products actually work, and how natural Siri really feels after the upgrade. Apple is finally entering the AI game by rebooting its entire smart home strategy. If the company can deliver on its lifelike AI promises, this could be the beginning of a new era of AI-powered living rooms. But after years of missed opportunities, the pressure is on to get it right.

Apple is plotting an AI-fueled smart home takeover, with robots, report says

With the iPhone 17 set to be released in early September, we're getting a steady stream of Apple rumors, news, and potential leaks -- many of which aren't worth writing about. But when Bloomberg's Mark Gurman drops a new update, we pay close attention. Case in point: The trusted Apple oracle reports today that Apple is planning a major push into the smart home market, with AI-powered smart speakers, security cameras, and, intriguingly, an Apple robot. Before you let your imagination go too far, we should note that Gurman describes it as a "tabletop robot." Specifically, a tabletop robot that "resembles an iPad mounted on a movable limb." The new products would come with a more conversational, AI version of Siri, which would be able to talk to users and accomplish tasks. According to multiple reports from outlets like the New York Times and Bloomberg, building an AI version of Siri has proven extremely difficult for Apple, which has so far lagged far, far behind in the artificial intelligence race. As Google, Meta, and OpenAI develop new models and AI-based products, Apple's generative AI offerings are limited to modest Apple Intelligence features on some of its devices. For iOS 26, rather than introducing its own AI model, Apple will be working with OpenAI's new GPT-5 model. However, as Bloomberg reports, Apple is now "plotting its artificial intelligence comeback," with the tabletop robot slash virtual companion at the center. The new AI-powered smart home devices from Apple could potentially arrive in 2027, Gurman says, citing Apple insiders. In the smart home space, Apple has had some success with Apple TV streaming devices and its HomePod smart speakers. Still, rival tech companies like Amazon and Google have a much larger presence in this category. However, Apple could be a formidable competitor in this space thanks to its brand loyalty, widely adopted operating systems, and signature product design. Of course, AI devices also have a rocky history with consumers, and a tabletop robot could be too little, too late in the AI arms race.

Apple's return to AI includes new products and a tabletop robot

What's happened? Apple's journey into the AI world has been a bumpy one. The company faced criticism for its failure to deliver on an improved version of Siri after numerous setbacks and delays, but a report late Wednesday afternoon from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggests Apple is preparing to make a comeback. Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, said "The product pipeline -- which I can't talk about -- it's amazing, guys. It's amazing." The long-rumored smark speaker with a display is set to arrive next year. One of the rumored devices is a tabletop robot that can turn and swivel to face whoever is speaking to it. Why this is important: If successful, this plan would mark a new level of innovation in Apple's products and help restore customer trust after the issues that have plagued the company throughout the past year. According to insiders, this hardware pipeline is a key element of turning around Apple's AI presence. Take the information with a grain of salt; as these products still haven't been officially announced, the expected design and function could change or be scrapped before release. Recommended Videos Why should I care? The new products could improve Apple's HomeKit lineup. A souped-up Siri would strengthen functionality across all of Apple's devices, while the tabletop robot opens the door to group FaceTime calls and much more. According to Gurman, "the hallmark of the device is an entirely new version of the Siri voice assistant that can inject itself into conversations between multiple people." The device will "act like a person in the room" and provide contextual information, such as suggesting restaurants in a conversation about where to go for dinner. The hope is that Siri will act similarly to OpenAI's voice mode for back-and-forth conversation. Siri might be getting a new personality through a project dubbed "Bubbles" that would give the assistant a visual representation on display, similar to the notorious Clippy of Microsoft Office fame. Apple HomeKit has never matched the power of Amazon Alexa or Google Home, but this upgrade has the potential to make it a much stronger contender.

Apple's Robot Plans Resurface -- Here's the Latest - Decrypt

Apple is once again exploring robotics behind closed doors, as the company continues to shift focus from Apple Intelligence. According to a recent Bloomberg report, the company is internally evaluating several AI-powered hardware concepts, including smart home displays, security devices, and a tabletop robot that could use facial recognition and motorized movement to interact with users. None of the devices are officially in development, and sources caution they may never reach the market. One prototype, codenamed J595 and purportedly targeted for a 2027 launch, features a swiveling screen mounted on a robotic arm. It's been nicknamed the "Pixar Lamp," a nod to the animation studio and the expressive, lifelike motion of its mascot. The robot is envisioned as a more personal version of a smart assistant -- able to track users during video calls or respond physically to conversations. Apple is also exploring mobile bots with wheels and humanoid robots for industrial use. "Apple has long been great at integrating hardware and software, and at human interface too," Gary Marcus, an AI authority and professor emeritus of psychology and neural science at New York University, told Decrypt. "I don't personally think that reliable humanoid domestic robots are at all close to hand, but if I ever buy a humanoid for the home, I hope it will come with Apple's care for privacy, reliability, elegance, security, and thoughtful design." Rumors around Apple launching a line of robots emerged last year as Apple made a series of AI-focused announcements and upgrades. In February, longtime Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple is exploring both humanoid and non-humanoid robots "for its future smart home ecosystem, and these products are still in the early proof-of-concept (POC) stage." At a recent all-hands meeting, CEO Tim Cook reportedly told employees that Apple needs to "win in AI," describing the company's product pipeline as "amazing" and hinting that some devices would be revealed soon, while others remain further out. He did not mention robotics specifically. The goal is to make artificial intelligence feel physically present. While the robot is still in early development, it represents the centerpiece of a broader push to put Apple back in the AI arms race. A home display for smart automation, video calls, and an upgraded Siri that can engage in conversations with users is reportedly further along and could debut in 2026. Both the display and the robot would run a new software platform internally dubbed "Charismatic," designed to handle voice-first commands, facial recognition, and personalized content.

Apple reportedly targeting 2027 release for tabletop robot with movable display - SiliconANGLE

Apple reportedly targeting 2027 release for tabletop robot with movable display Apple Inc. is reportedly planning to enter the home robotics market as part of plans to introduce a range of new devices in the coming years as the once great innovator continues to fall behind in areas such as artificial intelligence. Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, referencing people with knowledge of the matter, reports that a tabletop robot that serves as a virtual companion is being targeted by Apple for a 2027 release and will be the centerpiece of the company's new AI strategy. Other new devices planned are said to include a smart speaker with a display and longer term, a wheeled/humanoid robot. Reports that Apple was working on robots first emerged in April 2024 when it was reported that the company was developing an advanced tabletop home device that uses robotics to move a display around. In August last year, more details emerged about the tabletop device, including that it combines an iPad-like display with a robotic arm. The robotic arm device would appear to be what's coming first, with Gurman describing the device as a tabletop robot resembling an iPad mounted on a movable limb that can swivel and reposition itself to follow users in a room. The display itself is said to act like a human head in that it can turn toward a person who is speaking or summoning it and can even seek to draw the attention of someone not facing it. FaceTime calls are said to be a key function of the device and during videoconferencing, the display will be able to shift to lock on to people around a room. Apple is also apparently testing a feature that turns an iPhone screen into a joystick, letting users move the robot around to show different people or items in a room during video calls. The new device will be underpinned by a new version of Apple's Siri voice assistant that can inject itself into conversations and can engage users through the day. The idea, according to Gurman, is to "act like a person in a room." Along with what Apple insiders are reportedly calling the "Pixar Lamp," Apple is also said to be developing a standalone display/smart speaker, code-named J490, that is a stripped-down variant of the robot that will offer home control, music playback, note taking, web browsing and video conferencing, but without a robotic arm. Notably, both the robotic arm and smart display will run a new operating system called Charismatic that is centered on clock faces and widgets. The ideas, while maybe slightly out there, need a functional AI to run, something Apple has been seriously lacking, but apparently the company is building a new AI code-named Linwood, also known internally as "LLM Siri," to power the devices. LLM Siri could also find its way into new model iPhones and iPads as early as next year. Longer term, Apple is still reportedly developing several other robots, including a mobile robot with wheels, although any such device is still several years away.

Apple plots expansion into AI Robots, home security and smart displays

Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Apple is plotting its artificial intelligence comeback with an ambitious slate of new devices, including robots, a lifelike version of Siri, a smart speaker with a display and home-security cameras. A tabletop robot that serves as a virtual companion, targeted for 2027, is the centrepiece of the AI strategy, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The smart speaker with a display, meanwhile, is slated to arrive next year, part of a push into entry-level smart-home products.

Apple's upcoming Pixar Lamp-style AI robot launches in 2027: to redefine industry standards

TL;DR: Apple is developing an AI tabletop robot, internally called the "Pixar Lamp," set for a 2027 release. Featuring a 7-inch display and advanced Siri integration, it offers dynamic, context-aware conversations, FaceTime with Center Stage tracking, and a human-like animated interface to enhance personal AI interactions. Apple is rumored to be working on an AI tabletop robot for a 2027 release, which would revolutionize personal interactions with AI. The device sports a Pixar Lamp (Lumo) style design, with a 7-inch iPad-like display mounted on a moveable arm designed to act like a super-interactive version of Siri. In a new article from Bloomberg, it's being reported that Apple is calling its device the "Pixar Lamp" internally, envisioned to act like a person being in the room with users, capable of back-and-forth conversations and discussions like planning trips, or where to have dinner that night. The interactivity with the Siri-powered "Pixar Lamp" is said to be similar to how OpenAI's voice mode works, enhancing the user experience with dynamic and context-aware responses. We know that Apple is working on a next-generation version of Siri specifically for this robot, enabling the software to remember information and have more natural conversations. The new AI will feature a "visual personality" with Apple testing an animated version of its Finger logo for Siri's appearance, which the company is hoping would lead to interactions with the robot to be more human-like and engaging, possibly going as far as showing emotions during conversations. Bloomberg reports: "The idea is for the device to act like a person in a room. It could interrupt a conversation between friends about dinner plans, say, and suggest nearby restaurants or relevant recipes. It's also being designed to engage in back-and-forth discussions for things like planning a trip or getting tasks done - similar to OpenAI's voice mode". The new Apple-made robot would support FaceTime calls with a Center Stage-style feature, which would see it move around and follow people throughout video calls. You'll be able to control the robot's display with a joystick, positioning it in different views or areas of the room during calls.

Why Is Apple Planning to Make a Robot?

There are two main stories people are telling about Apple these days. One, rooted in its financial performance going back nearly 20 years, is of the most successful electronics device-maker of all time -- a wildly profitable, well-positioned, multitrillion-dollar company that continues to make a lot of money but that, since 2020, hasn't been growing quite as quickly as it did for most of the decade prior. The other is of a firm that, despite all its advantages, is missing out on the next big thing in tech -- the only thing that matters, in this telling -- having failed to invest enough in AI. A report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggests the company has something to say about both. In a wave of new products and software characterized as an "artificial-intelligence comeback," Apple appears to be jumping into about a half-dozen new industries at once. There's a "tabletop robot that serves as a virtual companion" and looks like "an iPad mounted on a movable limb that can swivel and reposition itself to follow users in a room," Gurman writes, as well as a "smart speaker with a display," both powered by "a lifelike version of Siri." There's "an Apple security system that can automate household functions," as well as "smart glasses," a "foldable phone," and a "large foldable device that melds a MacBook and an iPad." It's also, according to Gurman, "exploring a mobile bot with wheels -- something akin to Amazon.com Inc.'s Astro -- and has loosely discussed humanoid models." A few of these projects have been leaked and teased before, but a lot of this is new. In the history of Apple's product releases -- a dependable, steady spectacle with a big but highly telegraphed semi-surprise every once in a while -- this looks like an onslaught, an explosion of development and creativity after years of incremental updates and the Vision Pro's big swing and miss. Taken in the context of the broader consumer-tech industry, it now looks more like a company struggling to chase its rivals wherever they go. It doesn't help that those rivals have gone all over the place. In the last decade, companies with vastly different histories have converged on a sprawling, overlapping set of secondary businesses. Amazon, an e-commerce company, became a cloud provider, a device manufacturer, and a massive advertising company; Google, the search and advertising firm, built a smartphone operating system, started selling phones and tablets, got into home cameras and thermostats, and, like Apple, started making its own processors. Meta, with momentum from its social-media businesses, tried to make a phone before settling on VR and smart glasses. All of them have, or have had, a stake in the self-driving-car industry. Everyone, of course, became an advertising firm. Now, everyone is an AI firm, not just because it's where money is flowing generally but because each firm sees AI assistants as a way to unify disparate product lines and to lock customers into even deeper -- and perhaps exclusive -- relationships. Every company is trying to become an everything company, in other words, which means Apple's moves here are less about forging new paths than filling gaps in its own omni-conglomerate portfolio (more urgently, perhaps, as its core product, the iPhone, approaches its 20th anniversary). Its "lifelike version of Siri" is a response to voice products from Google, OpenAI, and Amazon; its "smart speaker display" is a competitor to millions of Alexa and Nest screens already in customers' homes, often connected to Nest and Ring smart cameras that are mounted on doors and inside houses across America. Samsung's flagship phone is a foldable device and its first version came out in 2019. Between its Oculus headsets and Ray-Ban glasses, Meta, not Apple, seems to be setting the direction of the AR/VR industry. Whether Apple's cautious, disorganized approach to AI represents a historic corporate blunder depends a lot on just where the current boom is headed; clearly, it's already gone further than the company anticipated, so it's going to spend some serious money anyway. At the very least, it's consistent with a larger recent pattern for the company. Apple used to have the power to declare and shape entire product categories. Now it looks like a company trying to catch up.

Apple's Planned Tabletop Robot Might Interrupt Your Conversations

The company could also launch a security camera that can recognise people Apple is reportedly planning to launch a range of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered devices and features in the next few years. As per the report, the Cupertino-based tech giant remains bullish on generative AI and aims to catch up to the rest of the market as soon as possible. The company reportedly plans to introduce a tabletop robot with a display, a speaker with a smart display, and a security camera. Powering them all would be the AI-powered Siri, which could get an avatar. Apple's Next Phase of AI According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple's tabletop robot could be launched in 2027. Citing unnamed people with knowledge of the matter, Gurman claimed that the tech giant's robot will be offered as a virtual companion and is planned as the centrepiece of its AI strategy. Another area where Apple is reportedly focusing is home security. Its new AI-powered security camera can reportedly automate household functions as well. Apple's vision of these new product categories is not new. Ever since 2024, reports have mentioned a tabletop robot with a smart display attached to it. Last year, the tech giant also won a patent for a security camera that uses AI to recognise people, which could be the same technology used in the reported device. And while previously there has not been any chatter about a speaker with a display, Siri's new capabilities have also been reported numerous times. Gurman's report does highlight a few interesting details about each of the upcoming devices. The tabletop robot is said to resemble an iPad mounted on movable limbs that can reposition itself and follow the user. One of its key features is said to be FaceTime calls, during which the robot can lock onto a user and follow them around, making it a hands-free experience. It appears to be based on a paper published by Apple researchers last year. One slightly controversial feature reported by the publication is its ability to interrupt a conversation between multiple people and interject its own suggestions. It is said that Apple wants it to appear like a person when people are sitting around a table. The speaker with smart display, which is said to be launched next year, is code-named J490. As per Gurman, it will be a stripped-down version of the tabletop robot and will not have the movable limbs or the conversational Siri. Both the planned devices will reportedly run on a new operating system called Charismatic. It is said to be a social operating system, designed to be used by multiple people simultaneously. Coming to the security camera, the report claims that it is code-named J450, and it has facial recognition and infrared sensors to detect and determine people. Additionally, the battery-powered device is said to be able to automate certain tasks over the Apple ecosystem. This device will reportedly be the first in a series of different cameras and other home-security products the company plans to launch in the coming years. Finally, the report claims that the iPhone maker is planning to add a visual personality to Siri with a new avatar. The project is internally known as Bubbles and appears similar to Clippy in Microsoft Office, Gurman stated. Apple is reportedly considering creating a visual design which is similar to Memoji.

Apple bets big on AI robots and lifelike Siri in bold move to regain its tech mojo

Apple is gearing up for a significant AI comeback, introducing innovative products like a robotic tabletop assistant slated for 2027. This device, resembling an iPad on a motorized arm, aims to personalize smart home interactions. A revamped Siri, codenamed "Linwood," will power these devices, offering enhanced conversational abilities and a visual personality. Apple is getting ready to make a big comeback in the world of artificial intelligence with a line of products that combine cutting-edge hardware and smarter AI software. The tech giant is putting a lot of money on new ideas to get back ahead in the AI race, from robotic friends to voice assistants that sound like real people. Apple's new plan could change how people use technology at home and beyond after years of criticism for falling behind in generative AI. The company is betting on new hardware, realistic virtual assistants, and better integration with other products to win back its crown as the most innovative company in AI after years of playing catch-up, as per a report by Bloomberg. The main focus of Apple's AI strategy is a robotic tabletop friend that will be available in 2027. The device looks like an iPad on a motorized arm. It can move around, follow people, and even "talk" to them. It can follow faces during video calls, keep track of schedules, suggest things to do, and give real-time help in a way that feels personal and responsive. ALSO READ: Air Canada strike update: Airline cancels flights and issues lookout notice as 130,000 may face daily disruptions This robot is different from static smart displays because it is meant to act like a person in the room. For example, it can suggest restaurants during a dinner conversation or help you plan a trip on the spot. Apple wants AI to be more than just a voice in a box. It wants it to feel like part of the family. A completely new version of Siri is at the heart of the robot and Apple's other smart home products. The new Siri will be able to handle more complicated requests, remember past conversations, and show a visual "personality" that makes it feel more alive. This version, called "Linwood," will use user data in a deep way to give very personalized answers. Apple is also trying out a fun animated look for Siri, which may have come from its Memoji and Finder icons. When you add this visual layer to conversational fluency, Apple's assistant could be more friendly and interesting than other AI assistants on the market, as per a report by Bloomberg. ALSO READ: Orca attack mystery: What really happened to marine trainer Jessica Radcliffe Apple is also working on a smart speaker with a screen, code-named J490, that will come out in 2026. It will run the new "Charismatic" operating system and let you control your home, play music, make video calls, and recognize faces to make the interface different for each family member. Another goal for growth is security. Apple is making home security cameras with facial recognition and automation features to compete with Amazon's Ring and Google's Nest. These gadgets could turn off lights when a room is empty or play music that fits the person who walks in, as per a report by Bloomberg. Apple hopes this new wave of hardware will help its brand after the Vision Pro headset got mixed reviews and the iPhone hasn't had any major design changes in years. The stakes are high because competitors like OpenAI, Amazon, and Google are making quick progress in AI. Tim Cook, the CEO, told employees recently, "We must win in AI." This means that some products will be available soon, while others will take years. If Apple can execute its plans, the next few years could be among the most important since the iPhone's launch. What is Apple's most ambitious AI product coming up? A robotic tabletop assistant that can move like a person, recognize faces, and has a better version of Siri. It is planned for 2027. When will Apple's smart speaker with a screen come out? As part of its new smart-home strategy, Apple wants to release it by the middle of 2026.

Apple plots expansion into AI robots, home security and smart display - The Economic Times

Apple is planning an ambitious AI-driven hardware comeback, including a robotic tabletop assistant, smart speaker with display, home-security cameras, and an overhauled Siri. Devices will run a new "Charismatic" OS, with voice-led interfaces and facial recognition, aiming to challenge rivals like Amazon and Google in the smart home space.Apple is plotting its artificial intelligence comeback with an ambitious slate of new devices, including robots, a lifelike version of Siri, a smart speaker with a display and home-security cameras. A tabletop robot that serves as a virtual companion, targeted for 2027, is the centrepiece of the AI strategy, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The smart speaker with a display, meanwhile, is slated to arrive next year, part of a push into entry-level smart-home products. Home security is seen as another big growth opportunity. New cameras will anchor an Apple security system that can automate household functions. The approach should help make Apple's product ecosystem stickier with consumers, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the initiatives haven't been announced. Apple shares climbed to a session high on Wednesday after Bloomberg News reported on the plans. The stock was up nearly 2% to $233.70 as of 2:17 p.m. in New York. It's all part of an effort to restore Apple's mojo. Its most recent moon-shot project, the Vision Pro headset, remains a sales flop, and the design of its bestselling devices has remained largely unchanged for years. At the same time, Apple has come under fire for missing the generative AI revolution. And OpenAI may even threaten the company's home turf by developing new AI-driven devices with the help of former Apple design chief Jony Ive. Though Apple is still in the early stages of turning around its AI software, executives see the pipeline of hardware as a key piece of its resurgence -- helping it challenge Samsung Electronics Co., Meta Platforms Inc. and others in new categories. A spokesperson for Cupertino, California-based Apple declined to comment. Because the products haven't been announced, the company's plans could still change or be scrapped. Many of the initiatives and their timelines rely on Apple's continued progress in AI-powered software. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook told employees in an all-hands meeting this month that Apple must win in AI and hinted at the upcoming devices. "The product pipeline -- which I can't talk about -- it's amazing, guys. It's amazing," Cook said. "Some of it you'll see soon. Some of it will come later. But there's a lot to see." Beyond the home devices, Apple is preparing thinner and redesigned iPhones for release this year. And further out, it aims to introduce smart glasses, a foldable phone, a 20-year anniversary iPhone and a revamped headset dubbed N100. It's also planning a large foldable device that melds a MacBook and an iPad. Apple is looking to boost sales after years of slowing growth for its flagship products. It also nixed some expansions into new areas, like self-driving cars, adding pressure to find other sources of revenue. Moreover, the new initiatives will help rebut the idea that the company is no longer innovating like it used to. Bloomberg News first reported last year that Apple was moving forward with a tabletop robotics project, code-named J595, and developing a new smart-home strategy. But now a clearer picture is forming of its push into that market -- and what it means for its AI ambitions. Robots The tabletop robot resembles an iPad mounted on a movable limb that can swivel and reposition itself to follow users in a room. Like a human head, it can turn toward a person who is speaking or summoning it, and even seek to draw the attention of someone not facing it. The hope is to bring AI to life in ways that other hardware makers have yet to do. Apple imagines customers placing it on a desk or kitchen counter and using it to get work done, consume media and manage their day. FaceTime calls will also be a key function of the device. During videoconferencing, the display will be able to shift to lock on to people around a room. Apple is testing a feature that turns an iPhone screen into a joystick, letting users move around the robot to show different people or items in a room during video calls. But the hallmark of the device is an entirely new version of the Siri voice assistant that can inject itself into conversations between multiple people. It will be able to engage with users throughout the day and more easily recall information. The idea is for the device to act like a person in a room. It could interrupt a conversation between friends about dinner plans, say, and suggest nearby restaurants or relevant recipes. It's also being designed to engage in back-and-forth discussions for things like planning a trip or getting tasks done -- similar to OpenAI's voice mode. Apple is planning to put Siri at the centre of the device operating system and give it a visual personality to make it feel lifelike. The approach, dubbed Bubbles, is vaguely reminiscent of Clippy, an animated paper clip from the 1990s that served as a virtual assistant in Microsoft Office. Apple has tested making Siri look like an animated version of the Finder logo, the iconic smiley face representing the Mac's file management system. A final decision on its appearance hasn't been made, with designers considering ideas that veer closer to Memoji, the playful characters that represent Apple user accounts. Device prototypes use a roughly 7-inch horizontal display, approaching the size of an iPad mini. The motorized arm can extend the display away from the base roughly half a foot in any direction. Some people familiar with the product call it the "Pixar Lamp," referring to the animated film company's famous logo. Apple has previously disclosed some research in this area: It published a paper in January detailing a light fixture that uses robotics to move around. Apple has multiple teams across its AI, hardware, software and interface design groups tackling the project. The work is being led in part by Kevin Lynch, who previously oversaw a push into smart watch software and cars. The technology giant is developing several other robots. It has teams exploring a mobile bot with wheels -- something akin to Amazon.com Inc.'s Astro -- and has loosely discussed humanoid models. Apple has a group actively developing a large mechanical arm for use in manufacturing facilities or handling tasks in the back of retail stores, a move that could potentially replace some staff. Such a robot, code-named T1333, remains several years away. Charismatic The smart-home push includes a standalone display poised to launch by the middle of next year. That device, code-named J490, is a stripped-down variant of the robot, lacking the arm and conversational Siri -- at least to start. It will still have home control, music playback, note taking, web browsing and videoconferencing. It may also include the new Siri visual interface. Both the smart display and tabletop robot will run a new operating system dubbed Charismatic, which is designed to be used by multiple people. The interface largely centres on clock faces and widgets -- small software features that are typically dedicated to specific tasks. Charismatic, which was previously known as Pebble and Rock earlier in development, blends the approach of the Apple TV and Apple Watch operating systems. It offers features like multiuser modes and clock-face themes, such as one based on Snoopy, the beagle from the Peanuts comic strip. The devices are meant to be easily shared: They include a front-facing camera that can scan users' faces as they walk toward it and then automatically change the layout, features and content to the preferences of that person. Some versions of the software use circular app icons and feature a hexagonal grid of apps. Apple is planning to include many of its core apps, including the calendar, camera, music, reminders and notes software. But the interface will be heavily reliant on voice interaction and widgets, rather than jumping in and out of apps. Though the device will have a touch screen, the primary input method will be Siri and an upcoming upgrade to a feature dubbed App Intents. That software lets users precisely control the interface and applications via voice. The hardware itself looks similar to a Google Nest Hub but is shaped like a square, with thin black or white bezels and rounded corners. The non-robotic 7-inch display sits on a half-dome-shaped base, which includes some of the electronics and is perforated around the bottom edges for speakers and microphones. It can also be mounted on a wall. The launch will mark the first time Apple is making a serious push into the smart home and comes nearly a decade after Amazon and Alphabet Inc.'s Google started shipping smart speakers with screens. The home is a critical space for Apple to target, especially as more users consume content from the living room and automate household functions. Apple has long had a strong foothold in mobile devices and quickly became a player in the automotive industry via CarPlay -- but that success hasn't followed into the smart home. Though the company launched HomeKit for controlling third-party devices in 2014, it has had limited success with its own HomePod speakers. Linwood and Glenwood Core to the new home devices -- and current products like iPhones and iPads -- is an overhaul to the underpinnings of Siri. Engineers are working on a version code-named Linwood with an entirely new brain built around large language models -- the foundation of generative AI. The goal is to tap into personal data to fullfill queries, an ability that was delayed due to hiccups with the current version. That new software, known internally as LLM Siri, is planned for release as early as next spring, Bloomberg News has reported. But work is going even further: Apple is preparing a visually redesigned assistant for iPhones and iPads that will also debut as early as next year. Craig Federighi, senior vice president of software engineering, hinted at a bigger-than-anticipated overhaul in an internal meeting with employees this month. "The work we've done on this end-to-end revamp of Siri has given us the results we needed," he said, adding that "this has put us in a position to not just deliver what we announced, but to deliver a much bigger upgrade than we envisioned." He said that "there is no project people are taking more seriously." Linwood is based on technology developed by the Apple Foundation Models team, but the company has a competing project dubbed Glenwood as well that would power Siri with outside technology. A final decision hasn't been made on which models will be used, but Apple has been testing Anthropic PBC's Claude for this purpose. Mike Rockwell, the former Vision Pro chief who was put in charge of Siri earlier this year, is overseeing both the Linwood and Glenwood efforts. During development of the tabletop robot, Apple engineers have made heavy use of ChatGPT and Google Gemini to build and test features. Within Apple's AI and Siri teams as a whole, software developers are increasingly using third-party systems as part of their development process. Ring competitor Apple is working on a camera, code-named J450, designed for home security, detecting people and automating tasks. The device will be battery-powered and could last from several months to a year on a single charge, on par with rival products. The device has facial recognition and infrared sensors to determine who is in a room. Apple believes users will place cameras throughout their home to help with automation. That could mean turning lights off when someone leaves a room or automatically playing music liked by a particular family member. Apple is planning to develop multiple types of cameras and home-security products as part of an entirely new hardware and software line up. The goal is to compete with Amazon Ring, Google Nest and Roku Inc., capitalizing on its customer loyalty to sell more products. It has also tested a doorbell that uses facial recognition technology to unlock a door. Apple already sells iCloud+ subscriptions with online storage for security footage, but they're aimed at third-party cameras.

Apple's AI Could Transform Siri Into A Clippy-Like Smart Home Companion, Complete With Personality, Smart Home Displays, And Advanced Security Cameras For A Truly Connected Home

Apple is no longer taking an incremental approach when it comes to artificial intelligence and has announced time and time again its ambitious plans when it comes to the technology. Not only is AI going to be a major part of its smartphone experience, but it has also taken a bold step to transform the smart home experience by planning to intergrate the capabilities across its ecosystem. The tech giant has been working on a series of innovative devices that would integrate AI-powered assistance seamlessly into the daily lives of users, especially when it comes to advancing Siri's offering. As per an in-depth Bloomberg report, Apple is developing a suite of features and products that would help accelerate its AI ambition and bring the vision to life. Some of the innovative devices include smart home displays, multiple robots, and a redesigned version of Siri. One of the most anticipated devices is a tabletop robot that has been doing the rounds for quite a while and is expected to come around by 2027. The tabletop robot is said to look like an iPad on a movable arm, and the way it would work is by following the user around the room and interacting with them, and it would be more like a life-like version of Siri. The Pixar-inspired robot has been showcased by the tech giant and is meant to have expressive movements for a more personalized experience. Additionally, Apple is working on a smart home display that is said to be released by mid-2026 and would be like a hub for controlling the smart home system or devices. Rumors suggest that it could come with the ability to use facial recognition for a more customized experience. Apple is advancing its smart home experience by working on a lineup of home security devices that include a camera, and AI is a central part of the roadmap, helping enhance features and privacy. The Cupertino giant is determined to turn Siri into the smart home's central brain with its AI initiatives. The plan is to take Siri beyond a voice assistant and into an intelligent hub that could help you manage your interactions and other aspects of the smart home and feel more like a companion. The redesigned Siri is expected to come with some major advancements to take the experience to a whole new level. Some of the enhancements include; animated visuals, Memoji-style avatars, drawing inspiration from Finder icons that help with making the interactions feel more natural and conversational, and bringing it closer to the experience that ChatGPT's voice mode offers. This would help bridge the gap between functional utility and human-like interaction, something that Siri has been slow to fill. The Clippy-like assistant could really help revolutionize how users interact with their homes. Apple is making AI a core part of its smart home ecosystem and bringing features that offer more real-life interactions and live up to users' expectations regarding a connected home experience. This evolution is going to help the tech giant establish itself further and even push the competition to rethink how the technology can be made not only smarter but also more human.

Apple's AI-Powered Companion Robot With A 7-Inch Display Launching In 2027 To Revolutionize Personal AI Interaction And Redefine Industry Standards

Apple is set to introduce a tabletop robot in 2027, which will revolutionize personal interactions with AI. The device will feature a 7-inch iPad-like display mounted on a moveable arm designed to serve as a more interactive version of Siri, offering a person-like AI companion experience. At this stage, Siri rests at a beginner level, and rivals like Google Assistant and OpenAI's ChatGPT have reached a level that could give a perishable-like experience. Nonetheless, Apple's AI efforts are underway, and we could see major improvements in the coming years. As for the tabletop robot, its arm can rotate and extend almost six inches in any direction, allowing it to reposition itself to face whoever is speaking. According to a new report from Bloomberg, internally, the device is referred to as the "Pixar Lamp," and it is envisioned to act like a person in the room, capable of engaging in back-and-forth conversations and discussions for tasks such as planning trips or suggesting nearby restaurants. As mentioned, this type of interactivity is similar to OpenAI's voice mode, which enhances the user experience with dynamic and context-aware responses. Apple is developing a new version of Siri, specifically for this robot, enabling it to remember information and engage in more natural conversations. The AI will feature a "visual personality," with Apple testing an animated version of the Finder logo for Siri's appearance. The personalized touch aims to make interactions feel more human-like and engaging, and it could also show emotions based on the conversations. We have seen similar robots in the past, but they lacked the AI touch, offering only basic commands. The idea is for the device to act like a person in a room. It could interrupt a conversation between friends about dinner plans, say, and suggest nearby restaurants or relevant recipes. It's also being designed to engage in back-and-forth discussions for things like planning a trip or getting tasks done -- similar to OpenAI's voice mode. In addition to its conversational abilities, the robot will support FaceTime calls with a Center Stage-like feature, allowing it to move around and follow people in the room during video calls. Users will also have the ability to control the robot's display with a joystick, allowing them to position it to show different views or areas of the room during a video call. Apart from the tabletop robot, the company is also working on a mobile robot equipped with wheels and a large mechanical arm. However, these are oriented to be used in manufacturing facilities or retail stores. The mobile robot will serve a different purpose than the tabletop robot, showcasing Apple's versatility in robotics and AI integration across different environments. With these advancements underway, Apple is positioning itself at the forefront of personal AI technology, aiming to create devices that not only perform tasks but also engage in meaningful and interactive ways. The tabletop robot with AI is expected to launch in 2027, and we will hear more details on the devices as we move closer to the final days. We will share additional details on the devices, so be sure to stick around.

Apple plots expansion into AI robots, home security and smart displays

Apple is plotting its artificial intelligence comeback with an ambitious slate of new devices, including robots, a lifelike version of Siri, a smart speaker with a display and home-security cameras. A tabletop robot that serves as a virtual companion, targeted for 2027, is the centerpiece of the AI strategy, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The smart speaker with a display, meanwhile, is slated to arrive next year, part of a push into entry-level smart-home products. Home security is seen as another big growth opportunity. New cameras will anchor an Apple security system that can automate household functions. The approach should help make Apple's product ecosystem stickier with consumers, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the initiatives haven't been announced.

Apple's New Plan for Artificial Intelligence : Smarter Devices, Seamless Experiences

What if the devices you use every day didn't just respond to your commands but anticipated your needs, adapted to your habits, and seamlessly worked together to simplify your life? This is the bold vision Apple is pursuing with its new approach to artificial intelligence. While the company has long been synonymous with innovation, its latest strategy aims to make AI the backbone of its product ecosystem, from iPhones to smart home devices. But in a tech landscape where competitors like Google and Amazon are racing ahead, can Apple's AI ambitions truly set it apart? The stakes are high, and the potential rewards -- transforming how we live, work, and connect -- are even higher. Below Bloomberg provides more insights into Apple's ambitious plan to integrate AI-driven intelligence across its hardware and software, creating a more intuitive and interconnected experience for users. From reimagining Siri as a smarter, more responsive assistant to developing new devices like foldable iPhones and AI-powered home security systems, Apple's roadmap is as daring as it is forward-thinking. Yet, challenges such as reliance on third-party AI providers and the complexity of building proprietary systems loom large. As we unpack Apple's vision, you'll discover how the company plans to navigate these hurdles and redefine the future of technology -- one AI-powered innovation at a time. Apple is transitioning from its traditional device- and cloud-centered ecosystem to one that revolves around AI. This shift involves embedding AI capabilities across its entire product lineup, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and even future devices like smart glasses. The goal is to create a seamless, interconnected experience where AI enhances every interaction you have with Apple products. Key to this vision is the integration of AI into everyday devices. For example: By embedding AI into its ecosystem, Apple aims to make its products more intuitive, adaptive, and indispensable in your daily life. This interconnected approach ensures that your devices work together seamlessly, creating a unified experience. Apple's hardware roadmap reflects its commitment to showcasing the potential of AI-driven technology. Several innovative products are in development, each designed to highlight the integration of AI: These innovations demonstrate Apple's focus on blending AI with advanced hardware to create products that are both functional and forward-thinking. By integrating AI into its devices, Apple is setting the stage for a new era of technology that adapts to your needs. Apple is making significant strides in the smart home and security market, aiming to compete with established players like Ring and Nest. The company is developing a comprehensive home security camera system, including a smart doorbell, that integrates seamlessly with its ecosystem. This allows you to monitor and control your home through your iPhone or other Apple devices. AI-powered sensors will play a pivotal role in this initiative. These sensors will enable advanced home automation features, such as: With AI at the core, Apple's smart home solutions aim to make your living space more secure, efficient, and tailored to your lifestyle. This focus on integration ensures that your devices work together to create a cohesive and user-friendly experience. Siri, Apple's voice assistant, is undergoing a significant overhaul to keep pace with advancements in AI. The revamped Siri will feature enhanced visual and functional updates across devices like the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and HomePod. Apple is pursuing two parallel approaches to improve Siri's capabilities: These updates aim to make Siri more intuitive, allowing it to provide context-aware, accurate responses and handle more sophisticated tasks. The goal is to transform Siri into a more capable and reliable digital assistant, making sure it remains competitive in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Despite its ambitious plans, Apple faces significant challenges in AI development. The company has struggled to match the rapid advancements made by competitors in the AI space. To address these hurdles, Apple is exploring partnerships with external AI providers as a temporary solution while it works to strengthen its internal capabilities. This reliance on third-party AI models highlights the complexity of developing innovative AI technologies. However, Apple remains committed to building a proprietary AI ecosystem in the long term, making sure greater control, innovation, and security. By investing in research and development, Apple aims to overcome these challenges and solidify its position as a leader in AI-driven technology. Apple's ultimate vision is to make AI the foundation of its next-generation ecosystem. Prototypes and plans for advanced AI-driven hardware and software extend well into the 2030s, signaling a commitment to long-term innovation. By integrating AI into every aspect of its product lineup, Apple aims to create a future where technology anticipates your needs and adapts to your lifestyle. This AI-driven strategy represents a bold step toward redefining the role of artificial intelligence in consumer technology. While challenges remain, Apple's focus on innovation promises to deliver fantastic experiences that will shape the way you interact with technology for years to come.

Apple Bets on Tabletop Robot, Lifelike Siri to Regain AI Edge | PYMNTS.com

By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. The centerpiece is a desk-side companion robot targeted for 2027 that can swivel to follow users, run FaceTime and act as a proactive, day-long assistant. A lower-cost smart display aimed at home control is slated for as soon as next year, alongside battery-powered home-security cameras that would automate household functions and tie users more tightly to Apple's ecosystem. The report said Apple shares rose after the news and noted the initiatives follow the Vision Pro's soft sales and mounting criticism that Apple has lagged in the generative-AI race. Under the hood, Apple is testing a redesigned Siri powered by large language models, which could potentially arrive on iPhones and iPads as early as next year . It also includes a new multiuser home OS dubbed "Charismatic," with a visual Siri interface ("Bubbles"). Apple has also explored external AI models, including Anthropic's Claude, as it weighs how to power the assistant. Beyond the home push, a broader hardware pipeline includes thinner iPhones this year and longer-dated bets on smart glasses and foldables. Because none of the devices have been announced, timelines could slip or plans could change, the report cautioned. "The product pipeline -- which I can't talk about -- it's amazing, guys. It's amazing," CEO Tim Cook told employees, adding that "some of it you'll see soon." PYMNTS has chronicled Apple's AI challenges across recent months from investor impatience to talent departures and delayed Siri upgrades. In a July column, PYMNTS CEO Karen Webster wrote that "Apple's investors are now nervous. They should be. The company has been largely silent while competitors have raced ahead with generative AI deployments, leaving Apple to defend its innovation credentials with incremental hardware updates and vague promises. If Apple wants to remain the brand that defines the consumer tech experience, it must accelerate both its AI product releases and its willingness to lead, not follow, in this fast-moving market." Subsequent coverage noted Apple's "AI crisis" theme among analysts and investors, even as Apple sought to rally employees around its AI roadmap at a rare all-hands meeting. Earlier reports highlighted broader product headwinds, including reduced Vision Pro production and the struggle to land marquee developers for the headset, all pressure that helps explain Apple's renewed push into AI-enabled devices for the home.

Apple plans AI hardware strategy with robot and smart display by 2027: Report

Apple is preparing a major push into artificial intelligence hardware, with upcoming products including a tabletop robot, a smart speaker with a display, and AI-enabled home security cameras, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported. Apple's AI strategy centers on a tabletop robot, acting as a virtual companion, with a planned launch in 2027. It will feature a movable arm-mounted display capable of tracking users, following conversations, and offering relevant suggestions. The device will run on a redesigned, AI-powered Siri that can engage in multi-person discussions and recall context over time. A smart display, expected by mid-2026 and codenamed J490, will mark Apple's deeper move into the smart home segment. It will offer home automation controls, music playback, videoconferencing, and voice-based interactions, operating on a new multi-user platform called Charismatic. Apple is also developing AI-driven home security cameras, codenamed J450, with battery life lasting several months on a single charge. Planned features include facial recognition, infrared sensors, and automation triggers -- such as switching off lights when a room is vacant or playing preferred music for recognized individuals. The report noted that these products are intended to compete with Amazon's Ring and Google's Nest devices. The AI expansion includes a full overhaul of Siri through two projects -- Linwood and Glenwood. Linwood is built on Apple's in-house large language models, while Glenwood tests third-party AI systems, including Anthropic's Claude. The aim is to provide faster, more personalized responses and introduce a redesigned visual interface for iPhones and iPads as early as next year. Apple's wider hardware pipeline reportedly includes smart glasses, a foldable iPhone, a combined MacBook-iPad foldable device, and thinner iPhone models. The company is also exploring industrial robots for use in manufacturing and retail environments. The developments come as Apple seeks to revive growth following slowing sales of core products and the modest reception to the Vision Pro headset. The discontinuation of Apple's self-driving car project has led the company to concentrate on AI-based hardware and services. Many of these products remain in development and could face delays depending on progress with Apple's AI software. Current plans suggest the smart display may launch in 2026, followed by the tabletop robot in 2027. More details may emerge as development continues -- take this with a pinch of salt.

Apple to Unveil Next-Gen Tabletop Robot with Lifelike Siri

Inside Apple's Secret AI Plans: Tabletop Robot, Linwood Siri, and Smart Home Revolution Apple is gearing up for a major artificial intelligence push with several upcoming devices, including a tabletop robot, a lifelike Siri, smart speakers with displays, and home security cameras. According to some reports, the flagship is a tabletop robot expected in 2027. It will feature an iPad-like screen on a robotic limb that follows users around a room. It will run an advanced iteration of Siri, which will remember details about the user and interact with them naturally.

Apple eyes 2027 launch for tabletop robot companion - VnExpress International

Apple is gearing up for an AI comeback with a robot sidekick, slated for 2027, and a simpler smart home hub in 2026. Bloomberg reported that Apple is shifting its AI focus toward new device categories, with plans for a lineup of smart home products. This could include both advanced and entry-level devices. The flagship product is said to be a tabletop AI companion. The device will have a 7-inch display similar to an iPad, mounted on a robotic arm capable of swiveling and extending about six inches in any direction to follow the user around a home or office. Some Apple staff members reportedly call it the "Pixar Lamp," tech blog Macrumors said. Paired with an overhauled Siri, the device is designed to recall information, make suggestions, and engage in conversations. The updated Siri will have a friendlier tone and may include an on-screen avatar. The robot will support FaceTime with a Center Stage-style feature that tracks people in the room. It may also include joystick controls to adjust the display for different views during video calls. Another product in this new lineup is a more basic smart home hub without the robotic stand, rumored to make its debut in 2026. It would offer music control, note-taking, web browsing, and video conferencing. Both devices are said to run a new operating system called Charismatic, which supports multiple users. The concept for a smart home hub reportedly dates back to 2022, while work on personal robot concepts has been ongoing since at least last spring. The robot is still in the prototype phase, and Siri's visual design has not been finalized. Apple is targeting a 2027 launch, though similar projects have faced delays in the past. It is also developing a wheeled robot with a mechanical arm for use in manufacturing or retail settings.

Apple plans AI comeback with tabletop robot, lifelike Siri and more: Report

This robot will likely feature an iPad-like display on a movable limb. Apple is reportedly preparing a major push into artificial intelligence with a range of new devices, including a tabletop robot, a lifelike version of Siri, a smart speaker with a display, and home security cameras. According to Bloomberg, these products are part of Apple's effort to make a comeback in the AI race. The centrepiece of Apple's plan is a tabletop robot, which is expected to make its debut in 2027. This robot will likely feature an iPad-like display on a movable limb and follow users around the room. The robot will run on a completely new version of Siri that can remember details and interact naturally. Also read: AI startup Perplexity offers whopping $34.5 bn to buy Google Chrome browser, here's why Before the robot arrives, Apple reportedly plans to launch a more affordable smart display by mid-2026. This device will be a simpler version without the robotic arm but will still handle tasks like home control, music playback, note-taking, and video calls. "The non-robotic 7-inch display sits on a half-dome-shaped base, which includes some of the electronics and is perforated around the bottom edges for speakers and microphones. It can also be mounted on a wall," the report stated. Both the robot and smart display are expected to use a new operating system called Charismatic, designed for multiple users. Home security is another key focus. Apple is said to be developing smart cameras with facial recognition and automation features, like turning off lights when a room is empty or playing music for a specific family member. "The device will be battery-powered and could last from several months to a year on a single charge, on par with rival products," the report mentioned. Also read: Elon Musk accuses Apple of favoring OpenAI in App Store, says xAI will take legal action At the heart of all these products is a major upgrade to Siri, powered by large language models (LLMs). The new version, internally called Linwood, is expected to launch as early as next year. Apple is also said to be testing other AI models, including Anthropic's Claude, as part of its development. These initiatives come as Apple faces pressure to prove it can still innovate after lagging in the AI race.