Rumors surrounding a touchscreen-equipped smart home device from Apple have been circulating for years, fueled by periodic leaks in the company's software updates. Recent insights from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggest that Apple's plans may reach beyond the conventional HomePods with screens. Apple appears to be developing a revolutionary tabletop robot that resembles an iPad mounted on a movable limb, capable of swiveling and repositioning itself to follow users within a room.
This innovative device is designed to turn towards individuals who are addressing it, or to those whose attention it seeks. Prototypes of this cutting-edge robot have showcased a 7-inch display, akin to the size of an iPad mini, and include a built-in camera for seamless FaceTime calls. According to reports, Apple is targeting a 2027 launch for some version of this robot. However, as with any unannounced Apple product, the timeline could shift, resulting in an earlier, later, or even cancelled release.
In January, Gurman mentioned a different smart home device—essentially a HomePod with a screen but without the moving robotic components—initially planned for a 2025 release. However, this timeline has been pushed to 2026. The new robot could serve as either a follow-up or a more sophisticated, higher-priced version of that device, with both products expected to operate on the same software platform.
In addition to these devices, Apple is reportedly testing a range of home security products, including cameras and smart doorbells equipped with facial recognition technology. This innovative technology could automate various smart home tasks, such as unlocking doors, adjusting lighting, or even playing music based on user recognition.
The trajectory of Apple’s smart home devices mirrors some of the experimental work done by Amazon in recent years, particularly with its Astro robot and the various sizes of Echo Show smart displays. Amazon also provides security solutions through its Blink and Ring brands. However, Amazon has recently scaled back some of its hardware initiatives, possibly due to challenges in recouping investments.
According to Gurman, the functionality of Apple's upcoming smart home devices will be partially powered by a new version of Siri, enhanced by large language models similar to those found in ChatGPT, Microsoft's Copilot, and other chatbots. This advanced Siri was originally slated for inclusion in 2024's iOS 18 but has since been postponed to this year's software releases due to reliability issues during testing.
Gurman has indicated that Apple is currently evaluating two versions of this revamped Siri: one named Linwood, which is based on an internally developed language model, and another called Glenwood, utilizing externally developed models such as Anthropic's Claude. With these innovations, Apple aims to redefine the smart home landscape, offering users a more interactive and intelligent experience.
