Apple is working on a slate of AI-powered home devices, including a Siri-enabled tabletop robot expected to launch in 2027, aiming to redefine its role in the smart home market.
TLDR:
- Apple is developing a tabletop robot with a lifelike Siri assistant, aiming for a 2027 release.
- A simplified smart display hub may launch earlier in 2026, both running a new OS called Charismatic.
- Home security cameras and a retail-focused robotic arm are also in the pipeline.
- Apple is betting big on AI to strengthen its smart home presence amid rising competition.
What Happened?
Apple is shifting its AI strategy with a new focus on hardware, according to Bloomberg. The company is planning to introduce several smart home products, led by a robotic tabletop companion that acts like a digital assistant with personality. Alongside that, simpler smart home devices like a display hub and security cameras are reportedly on the way.
Apple’s Home Robot Strategy: The Details
Apple’s 2027 vision includes a tabletop robot that blends robotics, artificial intelligence, and a new version of Siri. The robot is described as resembling an iPad mounted on a robotic arm, which can swivel and move to face users around the room. It is expected to offer natural communication, using subtle body language like movements similar to a Pixar lamp to respond and interact.
- The robot will run on a new operating system called Charismatic, designed to support multiple users.
- Siri is being rebuilt with a livelier personality, and may even come with a visual face like the macOS Finder icon or a Memoji.
- Features include video calls, suggestions during conversations, facial recognition, and the ability to physically track speakers during chats.
Apple aims to make this robot more than just a novelty. It could act as an interactive presence in the room, chiming in during conversations, offering reminders, and becoming a kind of AI roommate.
Smart Display and Security Systems
Before the robot’s full release, Apple may launch a smart home display hub in 2026. This is considered a stripped down version of the robot, without the moving parts or conversational AI features. Instead, it focuses on:
- Music playback
- Note-taking
- Smart home control
- Video conferencing
This device also runs on Charismatic and shares the updated Siri with its robotic cousin.
Additionally, Apple is preparing home security cameras to complement its smart home lineup. These will be integrated into a broader Apple branded security system, reflecting growing consumer interest in surveillance and privacy tools.
APPLE $AAPL READIES ROBOTS, LIFELIKE SIRI, SECURITY TECH IN AI PUSH
— Evan (@StockMKTNewz) August 13, 2025
Apple is plotting its artificial intelligence comeback with an ambitious slate of new devices, including robots, a lifelike version of Siri, a smart speaker with a display and home-security cameras.
A tabletop… pic.twitter.com/Lm8k5nU2gA
Robots Beyond the Living Room
Apple’s ambitions with robotics go beyond homes. Internally, the company is also testing a large robotic arm, codenamed T1333, for industrial and retail tasks. This could be used in Apple Stores or manufacturing facilities, though it’s still in early development.
Rumors suggest Apple has also considered wheeled robots like Amazon’s Astro and even humanoid concepts, but no confirmed timelines exist for these experimental models.
What TechKV Thinks
I think this could be Apple’s most fascinating leap since the iPhone. The company has lagged behind in AI, but this approach of embedding intelligence into hardware plays directly to Apple’s strengths. If Siri really gets a personality and feels like a real companion, it could change how we live with technology. It’s also very Apple to focus on the user experience and movement design, turning a robot into something that feels human rather than just smart. But as always, the big question is whether people actually want this kind of robot in their homes. If anyone can sell the idea of a friendly AI roommate, it’s Apple.
