Apple is developing a robotic arm with a built-in iPad – the project has received high priority

Apple, in search of new sources of income, continues to develop an expensive desktop home device that combines an iPad-like display and a robotic limb, says Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, citing his sources.

Image source: Amin Zabardast / unsplash.com

It is noted that a team of several hundred people is working on the creation of the robotic arm. The development is led by company veteran Kevin Lynch. He serves as vice president of technology, oversaw the development of Apple’s self-driving car and, until recently, managed the creation of software responsible for monitoring health indicators in the Apple Watch smart watch. A team of hardware engineers also takes part in the development of the robotic arm. It is headed by Matt Costello, who previously led the development of HomePod smart speakers.

According to Gurman, the device should become the command center of a smart home. In addition, it can be used for video conferencing and remote control of home security equipment. The device, which Gurman’s sources describe as a robot with a 360-degree rotating screen, is intended to be a more advanced alternative to home products like Amazon’s Echo Show 10 smart display and Meta✴’s discontinued Portal smart screen.

According to Gurman’s sources, Apple approved the project back in 2022, but the team began the active development phase only a few months ago. The device is expected to be launched in the market in 2026 or 2027. Now Apple is looking for ways to reduce its cost to $1000. However, before the release of the device, the company’s plans may change.

An Apple official in a conversation with Gurman declined to comment on the new product. Gurman notes that Apple’s industrial design team has been exploring desktop robot concepts for years, but there was no consensus within the company on whether to move forward in this direction.

Gurman also states that Apple is working on augmented reality glasses and is exploring the possibility of releasing less ambitious wearable devices, such as smart glasses, which could become a competitor to Ray-Ban Meta✴ smart glasses. Meta✴ itself calls Ray-Ban smart glasses a revolutionary product, but they do not offer a true augmented reality experience, but only allow you to make calls and record videos.

The journalist also claims that Apple is considering creating a version of the AirPods headphones equipped with built-in cameras, likely to assess the surrounding environment and adjust the sound accordingly through some smart algorithms. The company also continues to work on the folding iPad tablet, the appearance of which should not be expected on the market until at least 2027-2028.