Apple is reportedly shifting its AI strategy to focus on new smart home devices, including a tabletop robot companion and a smart home hub, as it aims to catch up in the competitive AI space.
The standout product in development is a robotic AI companion with a seven-inch horizontal display mounted on a motorized arm. Designed to follow users around their home or office, the device can swivel to keep the screen facing them as they move. Powered by an upgraded version of Siri, the robot could act as a virtual assistant, recalling information, making suggestions, and engaging in conversations. Apple is targeting a 2027 release for this futuristic gadget.
A simpler version, a smart home hub without moving parts, may arrive sooner—possibly by 2026. This device would handle tasks like music playback, note-taking, web browsing, and video calls. Both products are said to run a new operating system called Charismatic, designed for multi-user support. The revamped Siri on these devices will reportedly have a cheerful personality and may feature a visual avatar, though Apple has yet to finalize its appearance. Early tests have explored designs resembling an animated Finder icon or a Memoji.
These plans align with earlier reports that Apple has been exploring robotics and smart home tech for years. A smart home hub was reportedly in discussions as early as 2022, while rumors of a personal robot have circulated since at least last spring. While details suggest a clear direction, Apple could still pivot or abandon these projects before launch.
As Apple pushes further into AI-powered hardware, these devices could mark a significant shift in how the company integrates artificial intelligence into everyday life. If successful, they may help Apple establish itself as a serious contender in the AI space.
