Apple Reportedly Developing AI-Powered Tabletop Robot For 2027 Launch

Apple is reportedly working on several new AI-powered devices, including a tabletop robot with a swivelling display and enhanced Siri integration.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that the robot is slated for Apple’s 2027 product line-up, forming part of the company’s strategy to expand into AI-driven consumer products and strengthen its presence in the smart-home market.

Apple Tabletop Robot Inspired by Pixar Lamp

Sources familiar with the project describe the robot as resembling the Pixar Lamp. It will reportedly feature a 7-inch horizontal display mounted on a motorised arm capable of swivelling, tilting, and extending roughly six inches in any direction.

This mobility will allow the device to follow users around a room during conversations, video calls, or while delivering information, making it more interactive than existing smart displays.

Apple is said to be testing automatic subject tracking during FaceTime calls, enabling the camera to follow users as they move. Another potential feature would let users control the robot’s position remotely via an iPhone acting as a joystick, giving greater flexibility during video calls.

At the heart of the tabletop robot will be a redesigned Siri. According to Bloomberg, the upgraded assistant will handle multi-person conversations, remember past exchanges, and offer real-time suggestions.

Apple is reportedly exploring an animated on-screen presence for Siri, which could take the form of the Mac Finder smiley face or Memoji-style characters, under an internal concept called “Bubbles.”

Beyond a Display: Daily Task Management

Gurman notes that Apple aims for the robot to be more than a display. Apple is designing the device to help manage daily tasks, assist with planning, and facilitate interactive communication. Apple envisions it becoming a central hub for work, media consumption, and household coordination.

Apple’s AI, hardware, software, and design teams are collaborating on the device, with Kevin Lynch, known for his work on Apple Watch software and automotive projects, reportedly helping lead the effort.

The robot is currently in the prototype stage, and timelines or features could still change.

The tabletop robot is reportedly one element of Apple’s broader home technology strategy. Bloomberg reports that Apple plans to launch a smart speaker with a display next year and introduce home security cameras as part of a new Apple security system.

Other robotics projects under discussion include a wheeled home assistant similar to Amazon’s Astro and a large mechanical arm for industrial or retail use.

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