Apple appears to be moving forward with another new product as it continues to figure out how to enhance its burgeoning AI ecosystem.
For months, there have been whispers about new Apple devices, from a foldable iPhone to a cheaper Vision Pro model, but the tech giant appears to be leaning in another direction: a desktop robot.
According to a report According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the home device will feature a large iPad-like display and a robotic arm that will allow it to move 360 degrees. Apple executives, including CEO Tim Cook, are said to be backing the project.
Bloomberg reported that the device could launch as early as 2026 or 2027. It could be priced around $1,000, compared to the latest iPad, which costs more than $3,000 with accessories. Apple did not respond to a request for comment from the site.
But some industry analysts aren’t convinced that this product won’t end up like Meta’s Portal, a similar home device that has been discontinued.
“We are somewhat skeptical about the success of this rumored device, or whether it will ever be produced,” said William Kerwin, an analyst at Morningstar.
The apparent support from Apple’s top brass could bode well for the project, with Apple Intelligence set to launch in October.
However, the clear support from Apple’s top brass is likely to bode well for the project, and with Apple Intelligence set to launch in October, investing in new products could make sense in the long run.
Earlier, Gene Munster, managing partner at Deepwater Asset Management, told Business Insider that he expects the company’s investments in AI to pay off “over the next few years.”
However, technology analyst Jacob Born at Emarketer, a sister company of BI, said the device could be “risky” given that so-called smart home technology has not delivered a strong return on investment for big tech companies.
There are cheaper ways to tap into Apple’s intelligence, which Apple calls its AI offering, Born said. “Apple needs to focus on innovation in mobile and software to drive sales,” he added.
Kerwin compared the device to Amazon’s Echo, a hands-free speaker and display with voice control, which he called “not very profitable.”
“We think the ‘robotic limb’ seems outside of Apple’s core competencies,” Kerwin told BI. “We may see a less complex Echo-like device succeed for Apple, especially with its newly discovered generative AI software capabilities.”
Apple is better known for spotting trends and creating demand than trying to keep up with consumers. Rivals have failed to deliver similar home appliances, but the full capabilities of Apple Intelligence remain unclear.
However, it will take some convincing if she wants another iPhone moment.
“Any new products are just a drop in the bucket compared to the iPhone, which remains the company’s biggest driver, accounting for up to half of revenue,” Kerwin said.