Apple's Emerging Smart Home Vision with Innovative Robot

Speculation surrounding Apple’s development of a smart home device featuring a touchscreen has been ongoing for years. Reports reveal that Apple's focus extends beyond HomePods equipped with screens.

According to a reliable source, Apple is crafting a 'tabletop robot,' which resembles an iPad mounted on a flexible limb capable of rotating. It can follow users around a room to maintain interaction or gain their attention. The device sports a 7-inch display akin to the iPad Mini, equipped with a camera supporting FaceTime calls.

This smart home robot is anticipated to surface in 2027, though the timeline could shift. Previously, a separate device resembling a stationary HomePod with a built-in screen, expected in 2025, has now been pushed to a 2026 release.

Additionally, Apple is testing home security solutions like facial recognition-based cameras and smart doorbells, potentially automating tasks like door unlocking or ambiance setting based on user identity.

The developments parallel some initiatives by Amazon, such as the Astro robot and Echo Show displays, despite Amazon downsizing its device production due to fiscal challenges.

Empowering its smart home line-up further, Apple plans to utilize a newly refined version of Siri enriched by advanced language models, slightly delayed to the latest software version.