Apple is actively developing a household robot capable of autonomously moving around to support FaceTime calls and control room lights. The project is being championed by the company’s new leadership.
Development and Expected Launch
As reported by Ars Technica, individuals who worked on Apple’s robotic projects revealed that the AI-driven home robot carries the code name J595 and could be called HomeView Ultra. This naming convention would align with the company’s stationary HomeView smart display. Apple is currently targeting a release for the robotic device by 2027 with an estimated price of $1,000 or higher, though development setbacks might delay the launch until 2028.
Project History and Capabilities
Initial prototypes for the home device originated in 2018, securing approval from former Apple CEO Tim Cook to move forward. Engineers have spent years improving the software and integrating advanced artificial intelligence technologies. The development team has sought to expand the robot’s functionality beyond serving merely as a mobile platform for video calls in order to justify its high market cost.
Despite years of refinement, the currently reported capabilities remain limited compared to standard smart home systems or everyday robotic vacuums. The device is expected to navigate living spaces, facilitate video communication, manage lighting automatically, and occasionally address household pets.
