Apple is desperately looking for innovation. Once a company known for revolutionary technology, it is now releasing similar-looking devices back to back. Yes, there are improvements from the last generation of devices, but they all lack the fundamental “wow” factor that was once inherent to Apple launches.
Apple is trying to bring back that “wow” factor with a new genre of devices. Reportedly, Apple is working on an AI-powered home robot, featuring an iPad-like display for interactions and a tabletop robot body for personality.
Why?
Remember the iPhone moment or the iPod launch? The iPad was in a class of its own. If you’re a 90s kid, you might have watched it. For a decade or so, Apple products were setting industry standards for what personal gadgets were meant to be.
From rediscovering what a smartphone could be, to personal entertainment devices like the iPod, Apple devices were benchmarks to aspire to. They redefined the nature of productivity gadgets with various iPad models and sleeker MacBook series.
However, if you look at Apple’s recent releases, it feels more like repetition than innovation. Also, the smartphone and laptop markets are getting saturated. Devices like iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and others have durable lifespans, making them less likely to be easily replaced. This is affecting Apple’s revenue. Apple has long been searching for an alternative cash cow like the iPhone. They even ventured into working on an Apple Car Project, which was called off at the last moment. Now, the company is focusing more on AI, robotics, and personal and productivity AI-robotic solutions—the latest being Apple intelligence for iPhones and other Mac solutions.
Kevin Lynch, Apple’s Vice President of Technology, who previously oversaw major projects like the Apple Watch and reportedly the Apple Car Project, is said to have been moved to the robot project. Lynch has brought in key personnel from past successful projects to contribute to the tabletop robot’s development. Along with this team, reports suggest that Apple has assembled several hundred individuals to work on this project, indicating significant investment in its development.
Its impact?
As per reports, the home robot project, codenamed J595, was approved by Apple’s executive team in 2022 and has ramped up recently, with a launch aimed for 2026 or 2027. The anticipated price point is around $1,000. Leaks suggest the proposed design includes a robot with an iPad-quality display, movable arms, and 360-degree rotation capabilities.
If the project is successful, it will create a new revenue stream for Apple. Moreover, if we compare the AI capabilities of Apple’s main competitor, Google, Apple is currently taking second place in many functionalities. Such a robot with advanced Siri features would give it a competitive edge in the market.
Customer retention could also be improved by adding a useful device to the Apple product ecosystem. If the robot has home control capabilities, Apple could package it with less successful devices like HomePods as a combo with this robot.
Future Predictions
Not just Apple, but other players are also exploring the opportunities of smart home robots. Samsung has done a commendable job with their Ballie home robot. With advancements in AI and robotics technology, we may be witnessing the next generation of personal gadgets.
We can expect a future where smart devices in the home are centrally monitored through a moving robot, which could be an extension of already popular home control systems. There’s a good chance we’ll see home care robots with multiple functionalities and mobility options.