Apple’s Robotic Screen Set for 2027: Promises Unprecedented Expressiveness!

Apple’s First Home Automation Robot Set for 2027 Release

Mark Gurman of Bloomberg has reiterated with fresh insights that Apple’s initial foray into home automation robots is slated for a 2027 debut. This follows the anticipated 2026 launch of a home automation display. “This tabletop robot appears akin to an iPad mounted on a maneuverable arm, capable of swiveling and repositioning to track users around a room. Like a human head, it can turn towards someone speaking to or calling it, and even attempt to capture the attention of someone not facing it.” This device is expected to be priced around one thousand dollars.

Internal Nickname and Inspirational Prototype

Internally, Apple employees refer to the project as the “Pixar Lamp,” nodding to the animation studio’s iconic animated lamp. In February, Apple unveiled a prototype of a robotic lamp that could express emotions through simple movements, impressing many. The forthcoming robotic device from Apple draws inspiration from this prototype, although it won’t function as a lamp. The prototypes currently being tested feature a 7-inch screen and an arm that can extend approximately 15 centimeters.

Bringing a Face to Siri

In this venture, Apple is working towards giving Siri a “face”: the screen would also convey emotions, aligning the physical movements with the displayed visuals. A future version of Siri would offer levels of interaction currently unattainable: “The uniqueness of the device lies in a completely revamped version of the voice assistant Siri, capable of participating in conversations among several people. It would thus interact with users throughout the day and more easily remember information.”

Apple aims for this vaguely anthropomorphic device to behave almost like a normal person, to the extent of being able to interrupt: “It could cut into a conversation among friends about dinner, for example, suggesting nearby restaurants or relevant recipes. It’s also designed to initiate discussions for planning a trip or performing tasks, similar to OpenAI’s voice mode.”

Integration with homeOS

This robot would utilize homeOS, set to be unveiled next year alongside Apple’s first non-robotic home automation display. It will support FaceTime, Safari, Apple Music, and other major apps like Calendar, Notes, and Reminders. Some software features will be exclusive to this model, such as the ability to take photos with automatic framing. Apple is also testing “a feature that turns an iPhone’s screen into a joystick, allowing users to move around the robot to show different people or objects in a room during video calls.”