Apple’s rumored smart home robot has reportedly been delayed, with a launch now expected no earlier than next year and possibly not until 2028, according to The Information. The report says the device’s hardware has been finished for around two years, while development of its software continues.
The software team has reportedly pushed for more time and tried to narrow the product’s initial scope. Proposed capabilities have been reduced to a smaller set of functions connected to FaceTime and home automation, such as switching on a light.
The device is reportedly codenamed J595. Former Apple employees cited by The Information expect it could be marketed as the “HomeView Ultra,” following the HomeView smart display that launched last month. Its price could be around $1,000 or higher, depending in part on potential increases in the cost of RAM and other components.
The robot is described as a stationary tabletop device with a design comparable to Pixar’s animated lamp. It could feature a 9-inch display mounted on a swiveling robotic arm, along with cameras and sensors designed to follow a person during a FaceTime call.
Sources: The Verge.