Apple plans to release high-end home robot in 2027, capable of video calls and smart home control

Under the direction of new CEO John Ternus, Apple is reportedly advancing the development of household robots. The initial model is anticipated to be capable of autonomously moving around while facilitating FaceTime calls and managing smart home functions, such as controlling lights upon room entry. Sources indicate that the AI-driven robot, internally designated J595, might be marketed as HomeView Ultra, aligning with Apple's existing HomeView stationary smart display. The company is targeting a launch price of $1,000 or more by 2027, though development timelines could extend to 2028. The project, which first saw prototypes in 2018 and received approval from former Apple CEO Tim Cook, is reportedly being enhanced beyond simple video calling capabilities. Apple engineers are reportedly striving to incorporate advanced AI to justify the premium price point as the team refines the software.