Apple is reportedly working on a more advanced version of its upcoming HomeView smart home device, featuring a larger display mounted on a robotic arm. The high-end product, which could be marketed as HomeView Ultra, may arrive as early as 2027, according to a new report from The Information.

Unlike a traditional smart display, the device is being developed as part of Apple's broader robotics ambitions, with AI-powered features designed to make it more aware of and responsive to its surroundings.

HomeView Ultra Could Feature a 9-Inch Display on a Robotic Arm

According to Aaron Tilley of The Information, Apple's upcoming robot will feature a nine-inch screen attached to a swiveling robotic arm, with a design reminiscent of the iconic Pixar desk lamp.

The project reportedly began in 2019 under the codename J595. Apple's original goal was relatively modest: create a device primarily designed for video calls. The robotic arm would allow the display to follow users as they moved around a room.

However, Apple's ambitions reportedly grew as executives began exploring more advanced artificial intelligence capabilities.

AI Could Make the HomeView Ultra More Autonomous

The current design is said to include a camera and multiple sensors that allow the device to understand its surroundings and respond to different situations.

Potential capabilities include:

  ●Automatic lighting control: Turning on lights when someone enters a room.

  ●Environmental awareness: Recognizing objects and people in its surroundings.

  ●Smart movement: Adjusting its screen position to follow users around a room.

  ●Object avoidance: Moving its robotic arm without accidentally hitting nearby objects.

The report even suggests that the device could eventually respond to everyday household situations, such as trying to get a cat off a table.

These features would make HomeView Ultra considerably more ambitious than a conventional smart display.

Software Is Delaying Apple's Home Robot

Interestingly, much of the product's hardware has reportedly been completed for around two years. The biggest obstacle is now software development.

Apple is said to have expanded the project's AI ambitions beyond its original scope, making it more challenging to bring the necessary features together. As a result, the device has yet to reach the market despite its relatively mature hardware.

The software will likely play a major role in determining how independently the robot can operate and how naturally it interacts with people and objects in a home.

Expected Price and Release Date

The Information reports that Apple is targeting a price of around $1,000 for the robotic home device. However, the final price could be higher depending on component costs and market conditions.

Some former Apple employees reportedly expect the company to use the HomeView Ultra name, although Apple has not confirmed the branding. The company has also been cautious about expanding its Ultra product lineup.

As for availability, Apple is reportedly hoping to launch the robot in 2027, although the release could slip to 2028.

Apple's Home Strategy Could Expand Into Robotics

With its upcoming HomeView display and this more advanced robotic device, Apple appears to be exploring a broader role for smart home hardware.

If the reported features make it to the final product, HomeView Ultra could represent a significant shift from stationary smart displays toward AI-powered home robots that can move, observe, and respond to their environments.

Source: 9to5mac