Apple is working on a new device that will be significantly different from existing products like the iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. A desktop robot equipped with artificial intelligence and a movable display is planned for 2027. The idea behind it: an interactive, human-like companion that can hold conversations, remember content, and actively participate in conversations.
According to Bloomberg reports, the tabletop robot will feature a 7-inch iPad-style display mounted on a movable arm. The arm can move and extend approximately 15 centimeters in all directions. This allows the device to adjust its position and always align itself with the person it's talking to. Internally, some employees are calling the project the "Pixar lamp"—a reference to its fluid, almost lifelike movement.
New Siri with visual personality
The tabletop robot is controlled by a revised version of Siri. This version will be able to remember content, understand context, and conduct longer, coherent conversations. An animated version of the Finder logo is being tested as a visual representation of Siri. The goal is to give the digital assistant a visible personality. The device is intended to act like a person in the room. In a conversation about dinner plans, for example, the robot could suggest nearby restaurants or offer suitable recipes. It would actively participate in topics such as travel planning or task organization – similar to OpenAI's voice mode.
Motion and video functions
The movable arm allows the robot to adjust its eye contact. During FaceTime calls, a CenterStage-like feature is used to keep people in the frame even when they move. Apple is also considering integrating a joystick control that would allow the display to be manually adjusted to show different views of the room.
More robotics projects at Apple
In addition to the tabletop robot, Apple is also developing a mobile robot with wheels and a large mechanical arm. This could be used in manufacturing facilities or retail stores, for example, to transport goods or assist customers.
Development status and schedule
The project is still in the prototype phase. Decisions such as the final design and Siri's exact visual design are still pending. Apple is aiming for a 2027 market launch, but similar projects have experienced delays in the past. Before launch, the Apple Intelligence version of Siri must also be released, followed by an LLM-based version.
Apple targets the smart assistant market
With the planned desktop robot, Apple is expanding its product portfolio in a completely new direction. The combination of a movable display, learning AI, and interactive features could establish a new class of device. Whether the timeline will be met remains to be seen, but the plans indicate that Apple intends to reshape the market for smart assistants. (Image: Shutterstock / Phonlamai Photo)
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