Is Apple Developing a Desktop Robot? Cook Hinted at New Products "Coming Soon"

Tech insider Mark Gurman reported on Wednesday that Apple is preparing to launch several robots, along with a smart speaker with a screen, a redesigned voice assistant Siri, and home security cameras. Among the planned robotic products is a desktop robot, which is central to Apple's AI strategy and is slated for release in 2027. This desktop robot will serve as a virtual companion for users, equipped with a lifelike Siri and capable of interacting with users around the clock.

The desktop robot resembles an iPad mounted on movable limbs. The prototype device uses a roughly 7-inch display that can rotate and turn toward the person summoning it, much like a human head. It will be placed on a desk or kitchen counter to assist users with tasks, browsing media, and more. In January of this year, Apple published a paper detailing a lamp that moves around using robotic technology. Some familiar with the desktop robot have nicknamed it the "Pixar lamp."

According to leaks, during a company-wide meeting this month, Apple CEO Tim Cook told employees that while he couldn’t provide details, the upcoming product lineup is "incredible," with some products arriving soon and others launching later. There’s a lot to look forward to.

Besides the desktop robot, Apple is also preparing to launch a new camera positioned as an automated security system. The company is developing several other robots, including a mobile robot with wheels and a large robotic arm. The robotic arm will be installed on manufacturing equipment or in the back of retail stores to handle tasks, though it is still several years away from release. Apple also plans to launch a standalone display by mid-next year as a simplified version of the robot. It lacks arms but can play music and help users take notes.

Mark Gurman stated that to adapt to these new home devices, Apple is revamping Siri. Engineers are developing a version with a generative AI-powered brain, with the software expected to launch as early as next spring. However, Apple has yet to respond to these market rumors.

Based on current information, Apple continues to prioritize upgrading Siri's AI capabilities while expanding into more product categories, including cameras and robots. Previously, Apple showed signs of lagging in the AI field, failing to deliver major Siri AI updates promptly.

Last year, at the WWDC developer conference, Apple unveiled its AI strategy, which included integrating Apple Intelligence into a range of programs, including Siri. However, at this year’s WWDC, Siri AI features were absent, and Apple did not make sweeping AI updates. Reports also indicated that Apple faced challenges in upgrading Siri. Although Apple’s stock price has risen recently, it remains below last year’s peak of around $250 per share.