Apple's Smart Home Revolution: The Future is Now
Speculation about Apple's ventures into smart home technology has been fueled for years, with frequent hints appearing in beta software updates. A recent report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggests that the tech giant's ambitions might reach beyond merely integrating screens into HomePods.
According to Gurman, Apple is reportedly working on an innovative "tabletop robot" designed to resemble an iPad mounted on a swiveling limb. This device is said to have the capability to follow users around a room and engage with them interactively. The robot features a 7-inch display, akin to an iPad mini, and comes equipped with a FaceTime camera.
The potential release for this pioneering robot is slated for 2027, although Apple’s timeline could change. Earlier this year, Gurman indicated a plan for a different smart home device - essentially a HomePod with a screen without robotic elements - initially targeted for 2025, now possibly postponed to 2026. Both devices are expected to operate on similar software platforms.
Beyond robotics, Apple is also testing home security innovations, including cameras and doorbells capable of facial recognition, which could automate mundane tasks like unlocking doors or adjusting lighting and music settings.
This venture bears resemblance to Amazon's home tech pursuits, notably the Astro robot and its range of Echo Show displays. Despite Amazon's recent downsizing of some experimental projects due to financial constraints, Apple seems to be gearing up for a different approach.
Furthermore, Apple's smart home ambitions are being empowered by a revamped version of Siri, leveraging advanced language models similar to those of ChatGPT and Microsoft's Copilot. Initially intended for 2024, the debut of this "more personal Siri" has been postponed to the current year due to technical hurdles. This upgrade includes distinct iterations, one dubbed "Linwood," based on proprietary technology, and "Glenwood," incorporating external models like Claude by Anthropic.
This foray into smart home innovation reflects Apple's broader strategy to redefine user interaction within connected living spaces, offering cutting-edge technology to streamline daily life.
