Apple HomeView Ultra: 9-Inch Swiveling Screen Robot Detailed

Sensors and autonomy

The current design envisions the robot using a camera and sensors to understand its surroundings. According to the report, that could let it turn on the lights when someone walks into a room, or even try to tell a cat to get off a table. It is meant to be smart enough to avoid accidentally hitting objects around it.

Internal debate and timing

The hardware has reportedly been largely finalized for around two years. Even so, there have apparently been "internal disagreements" at Apple, particularly over which software features should ship on the first-generation model and which should wait for a second generation that is already being discussed.

Apple is hoping to release the larger HomeView in 2027 for around $1,000 in the U.S., but the device might not be ready until 2028.

Apple has also explored other robots, including one that follows users around the home on wheels, one that flies indoors and one that can fold clothes. It is unclear whether any of them will ever be released. Most of the details about the tabletop device had already been reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who said the 9-inch screen can swivel a full 360 degrees.

For buyers, the product would mark a significant step beyond a conventional smart display, and its price would place it well above typical smart home screens.