Apple Reportedly Planning AI Comeback, Complete With a Tabletop Robot

Apple wants a bigger place in your home, according to a report Wednesday from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. While you might think of Apple primarily as the maker of the 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.

An Apple representative didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Tabletop robot

According to Bloomberg, at the center of the plan is the tabletop robot, reportedly coming in 2027. 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?

Standalone smart display

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

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.