Apple's new tabletop device could combine an iPad-like display with a robotic arm
Well-known and trusted Apple insider Mark Gurman from Bloomberg reports that the tech giant is eyeing new revenue streams and is progressing with the development of a high-end tabletop home device. This gadget is said to combine an iPad-like display with a robotic arm.
Apple has reportedly already assembled a team of several hundred people to develop the new home device that combines a large screen with a thin robotic arm. The device will use actuators to tilt and rotate the display 360 degrees, offering a unique twist on products like Amazon’s Echo Show 10 and Meta’s now-discontinued Portal.
Apple's device could be a new take on products like Meta's discontinued Portal, shown here. | Image credit – Meta
The device is rumored to be designed as an all-in-one smart home hub, videoconferencing system, and remote-controlled security device. Sources, who requested anonymity due to the secrecy of the project, revealed that the initiative – codenamed J595 – received the green light from Apple’s executive team back in 2022 but has only recently gained momentum.
The concept for this tabletop device revolves around using Siri and future Apple Intelligence features as the main control system. For example, during a video call, you could say “Look at me,” and the screen would automatically adjust to focus on you. The device is also expected to recognize different voices and shift its focus accordingly. The prototypes being tested are reportedly running a modified version of the iPadOS.
Apple's move into robotics is part of a bigger plan to boost sales and make the most of its upcoming Apple Intelligence, which will roll out to iPhone, iPad, and Mac this year. This shift also comes as the company looks for new growth avenues after pulling the plug on its self-driving car project earlier in the year.
Apparently, Apple is now fast-tracking the development of this tabletop device, targeting a launch as early as 2026 or 2027. The goal is to bring the price down to around $1,000, though with the release still years away, these plans could change. The project is now under the exclusive leadership of Kevin Lynch, a veteran executive who previously led the company’s self-driving car initiative and Apple Watch software engineering.
I think pushing ahead with its tabletop robot could be a savvy move for Apple, especially with the growing interest in smart home tech. And if Apple can indeed keep the price under $1,000, it might attract a lot of Apple fans. Still, it would be great to see this future device running a different OS than iPadOS, which has some limitations.
Follow us on social media to catch the latest trending stories, watch exclusive videos, and join the conversation with our vibrant community!
Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.
Recommended Stories
Loading Comments...
COMMENT
All comments need to comply with our
Community Guidelines
Phonearena comments rules
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
Things that are NOT allowed: