Apple Home Robot Hardware Completed Two Years Ago
Apple has finished the physical hardware for its long-awaited domestic robot, but the device remains sidelined in Cupertino laboratories because its software and artificial intelligence brain are not ready, The Information reported. Citing a project timeline stretching back to 2019 under the internal code name J595, the physical components have been locked in for approximately two years.
The device features a 9-inch display mounted on an articulated, motorized arm that swivels to track users around a room during FaceTime calls. The mechanical design has been compared to an iMac G4 or a Pixar lamp. Equipped with a camera and sensors, the machine is designed to steer around obstacles, recognize when someone enters a living room, and handle automated home tasks like turning on lights.
Siri struggles delay release of home robot project
The project originally began with a straightforward mandate to assist with home video calls, a project that was under the leadership of Kevin Lynch and his special projects team. As software engineers piled on new artificial intelligence capabilities—such as room awareness, autonomous steering, and continuous interaction—the scope of the project expanded significantly.
Development delays stem directly from ongoing struggles with Siri and internal disagreements over which features to deploy in the first generation versus subsequent models. John Ternus is pushing the dossier and wants the company to take robotics seriously as leadership searches for a major product to support the iPhone following the cancellation of Apple’s electric car project and reduced resource allocation for the Vision Pro.
Launch date slides toward twenty seven
The anticipated retail price is estimated around $1,000, though component cost inflation could drive the final price higher. The robot is envisioned as the high-end, premium counterpart to the upcoming HomeView connected smart display.
While hardware development wrapped up years ago, the launch date has slid to 2027 in the best-case scenario, with analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously pointing toward 2028 for full mass production. Apple has not yet announced an official name, public price, or release date for the device, and commercial availability remains uncertain.
Apple sets target price near one thousand dollars
What is the internal code name for Apple’s domestic robot project?
The project has been developed inside Cupertino laboratories under the code name J595 since 2019.
How much is Apple expected to charge for the robotic device?
Early estimates place the target price around $1,000, though component price fluctuations could increase the final retail cost.
Who currently leads the robotics hardware effort inside the company?
John Ternus is pushing the robotics dossier forward at Apple.
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