Apple Eyes $1,000 Swiveling Home Robot for 2027 or 2028

WHO:

Ars Technica - Apple CEO John Ternus is backing the company’s home-robot effort.

Techmeme - Apple CEO John Ternus wants the company to “get serious about robots.”

The Verge - The Information reported on the robot’s development; Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman described a possible design in 2024.

The Verge - The device is codenamed J595. Former Apple employees predict it could be named “HomeView Ultra,” following the HomeView smart display.

WHAT:

Ars Technica - Apple is developing a home robot intended for FaceTime and controlling lights; Ars Technica characterized its uses as potentially limited and its price as potentially hefty.

Techmeme - The Information reported that the device is a tabletop robot with a 9-inch screen and a swiveling arm.

The Verge - The Information reported that the robot’s hardware had been finished for around two years, but its software was not ready.

The Verge - The software team reportedly pushed to delay launch and “attempted to strip back some proposed features and focus the product on a few capabilities related to FaceTime and automating home tasks, like switching on a light.”

The Verge - The robot may cost around $1,000, potentially more depending on price increases for RAM and other components; it could cost significantly more than the HomeView.

The Verge - Gurman said the robot could have a stationary tabletop design resembling Pixar’s famous lamp.

WHERE:

The Verge - The robot is described as a tabletop smart-home device intended for home tasks.

WHEN:

Ars Technica - The article headline says the robot is coming in 2027.

Techmeme - The Information report gives a planned release window of 2027 or 2028.

The Verge - The robot’s launch was reportedly delayed until 2027 at the earliest, or possibly 2028.

WHY:

The Verge - The reported launch delay is attributed to software not being ready.

HOW:

The Verge - The Information reported that the robot will have a 9-inch display on a robotic arm that swivels, plus cameras and sensors, including capabilities to follow a user during a FaceTime call.

(UPDATED November 2, 2026 22:07 UTC)

Apple CEO John Ternus is backing a home robot for FaceTime and household tasks. Software delays have pushed its possible launch to 2027 or 2028. The tabletop device could cost around $1,000.