Apple Developing AI-Powered Tabletop Robot to Be Launched in 2027

Apple is developing a tabletop robot as part of its AI strategy, code-named "Project J595." The robot, set to launch in 2027, features an iPad mounted on a movable limb and a new Siri digital assistant with AI capabilities and a bubbly personality. Apple is also exploring other robotics, including a mobile bot and humanoid models. The company plans to release an AI smart speaker with a display by mid-2026.

Apple Inc. is plotting a significant return to the artificial intelligence (AI) forefront with a slate of new devices, including a tabletop robot, a lifelike version of Siri, and a smart speaker with a display. The company's ambitious AI strategy, which includes a tabletop robot code-named "Project J595," aims to make its product ecosystem stickier with consumers and challenge competitors like Samsung Electronics Co. and Meta Platforms Inc. [1].

The tabletop robot, set to launch in 2027, features an iPad mounted on a movable limb that can swivel and reposition itself to follow users in a room. This AI-powered device is designed to serve as a virtual companion, enabling users to get work done, consume media, and manage their day. It will also support FaceTime calls and include a new version of Siri with AI capabilities and a bubbly personality [1].

Apple is also exploring other robotics, including a mobile bot with wheels and humanoid models. Additionally, the company is preparing to release an AI smart speaker with a display by mid-2026. This device, code-named "J490," is a stripped-down variant of the tabletop robot, lacking the arm and conversational Siri but still offering home control, music playback, note-taking, web browsing, and videoconferencing [1].

The new devices will run a new operating system dubbed "Charismatic," designed to be used by multiple people. The interface centers on clock faces and widgets and is heavily reliant on voice interaction. Apple aims to make its smart home devices easily shareable, with a front-facing camera that scans users' faces to automatically adjust the layout, features, and content to each person's preferences [1].

Apple's push into AI and smart home devices comes amid a slowdown in growth for its flagship products and pressure to find new revenue sources. The company's recent moon-shot project, the Vision Pro headset, has been a sales flop, and the design of its best-selling devices has remained largely unchanged for years. Apple is also under fire for missing the generative AI revolution and the potential threat from OpenAI, which is developing new AI-driven devices with the help of former Apple design chief Jony Ive [1].

Apple shares climbed to a session high on Wednesday after Bloomberg News reported on the AI plans, indicating investor optimism about the company's AI and smart home initiatives. However, the products have not been announced, and the company's plans could still change or be scrapped [1].

References:
[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/apple-plots-expansion-ai-robots-182112041.html