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Apple’s rumored smart home robot may not arrive until 2027 at the earliest, and could be delayed until 2028, according to The Information as cited by The Verge. The report says the hardware has been finished for about two years, while software work and feature decisions remain unfinished.
Apple has reportedly delayed its rumored smart home robot until 2027 at the earliest, with a launch in 2028 also possible, according to The Information, as reported by The Verge. The delay matters because it suggests the product’s software and planned features are not ready, despite the report that its hardware has been complete for about two years.
The Information reports that the robot’s software team has pushed to postpone its release and tried to reduce the proposed feature set. The team reportedly wants to focus on a narrower set of functions, including FaceTime and basic home automation such as turning on a light. Apple has not publicly confirmed the product, its schedule or these reported internal discussions.
The device is reportedly known internally by the codename J595. Former Apple employees cited in The Information predict it could be marketed as HomeView Ultra, following the name of a HomeView smart display that, according to The Verge report, launched last month. That proposed name is a prediction, not a confirmed product name.
The Information also describes a 9-inch display mounted on a swiveling robotic arm, with cameras and sensors intended to follow a user during a FaceTime call. The report puts its possible price at around $1,000, potentially higher if component costs, including RAM, rise. Those specifications and the price are reported details, not figures announced by Apple.
A Longer Wait for Apple’s Home Hub
A delayed launch would leave consumers waiting longer to learn whether Apple plans to combine video calling, a moving display and smart-home controls in one device. The reported effort to cut features also suggests that the product’s eventual pitch may be narrower than initially proposed, if it reaches the market.
The possible $1,000 price would put the robot well above the cost of many smart displays, though no official price exists. That makes the reported feature set and the device’s practical role at home important questions for buyers. For now, the report describes a project in development, not a product consumers can order or evaluate.
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From Tabletop Concept to Robot
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported in 2024 that Apple was developing a stationary, tabletop robot with a design resembling the lamp from Pixar films. The newer account in The Information, as relayed by The Verge, describes a swiveling screen on a robotic arm and capabilities related to calls and household tasks. The reports provide a sense of the concept’s direction, but do not establish that every described feature will appear in a final product.
The reported name connects the project to Apple’s HomeView smart display, which The Verge says launched last month. Still, “HomeView Ultra” comes from former employees’ expectations, not an Apple announcement. The company has not publicly confirmed the robot or provided an official product timeline.
“The robot’s hardware “has been finished for around two years.””
— The Information, as cited by The Verge
Launch Date and Features Remain Unconfirmed
Apple has not confirmed that it is making this robot, and the reported 2027–2028 window is not an official schedule. The timing could change as software development continues. It is also unclear which features would survive any reduction in scope, whether the reported design and sensors are settled, or whether Apple will use the HomeView Ultra name.
The estimated price is also uncertain. The report links a possible increase to RAM and other component costs, but gives no final price or confirmed pricing plan. The source material does not establish whether Apple has made a final decision to delay the project or how close the software is to completion.
Watch for an Apple Announcement
The next concrete milestone would be an announcement from Apple confirming the product, its name, features or release timing. Until then, the reported launch window and specifications should be treated as unconfirmed reporting, rather than a commitment from the company.
Further reporting may clarify whether the software team’s proposed feature cuts have been adopted and whether the product remains on track for 2027 or slips to 2028. Apple has not disclosed a date for any announcement.
Key Questions
When could Apple’s rumored smart home robot launch?
According to The Information as reported by The Verge, it could arrive in 2027 at the earliest, or possibly in 2028. Apple has not confirmed a release date.
Why is the robot reportedly delayed?
The report says the software is not ready. The software team has reportedly pushed for a delay while seeking to narrow the planned features.
What might the robot do?
Reported capabilities include FaceTime and simple home automation, such as switching on a light. A swiveling display, cameras and sensors are also described, but Apple has not confirmed these details.
How much might it cost?
The Information’s reported estimate is about $1,000, potentially more depending on component costs. This is not an official price.
Has Apple confirmed the product or the name HomeView Ultra?
No. The product, its reported codename J595 and the predicted “HomeView Ultra” name have not been confirmed by Apple.
Source: theverge.com
