Report: Security camera, "Home Hub" and desktop robot planned by Apple
According to Bloomberg, Apple has a portfolio of new smart home devices on the agenda. However, not all of them will be released soon.
Apple's Home app, here on an iPhone.
(Image: Apple)
Apple is still working internally on numerous new home devices, but it will probably be quite a while before they are released. A new article from the financial news agency Bloomberg states that the iPhone company is still working on a new security camera, a smart display for the home, and AI robots. All three products have already been leaked in the past.
“Comeback” for Apple Intelligence?
According to the report, the products are also about a “comeback” in the field of AI for the company, after Apple Intelligence and, in particular, a smarter Siri had been repeatedly postponed. However, none of the new devices will be released before 2026, and a “tabletop robot” not before 2027. The main reason for this is that the company has to wait for improved AI software. However, the team responsible for this is constantly losing employees, including to Meta.
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According to Bloomberg, the central new product for the home will be a kind of “home hub.” The device allegedly combines a square display measuring around seven inches with a speaker and an integrated camera. It is said to be thin, with a black or white border, rounded edges, and a hemispherical base, which probably houses the speaker. Apparently, the display can be removed. At least Bloomberg writes that it is also possible to attach it to a wall. The display is codenamed J490 and will be used to control the Apple Home infrastructure. A new operating system with the internal name “Charismatic” should be operable by several people and revolve around a clock display and widgets.
However, there are also apps that are arranged in a hexagon-shaped grid and can be accessed via icons. There will be standard applications such as camera, calendar, music, reminders, and notes. However, the main control method will be the smarter Siri. However, a touchscreen is available. According to Bloomberg, the look of the device is reminiscent of Google's Nest Hub. Apple is still working on an LLM-supported Siri, which should be more conversational – a bit like Amazon's Alexa+. This is reportedly already planned for next spring – that would be surprisingly early.
Pixar dreams and surveillance camera
A new surveillance camera from Apple, reminiscent of devices from Amazon subsidiary Ring, is also planned for 2026. Plans include facial recognition with infrared sensors “to determine who is in the room.” Apple hopes that users will distribute the devices “throughout the house,” also to improve automation. For example, lights could turn on when you enter a room – or the right music could come on. According to Bloomberg, Apple is planning “several types of cameras” as well as other home security products, including suitable software – possibly inspired by products from competitors Ring, Google, and others.
Finally, Apple is continuing to work on a robotic arm for the table. A prototype has already been produced. Internally at Apple, the device is reportedly referred to as the “Pixar lamp.” However, according to Bloomberg, the device will not be available before 2027. The idea is for the hardware to behave “like a person in a room.” It could even interrupt conversations when the device hears certain keywords, for example, giving restaurant tips when people are talking about the topic. Apple is apparently taking inspiration from voice modes such as ChatGPT Voice Mode. FaceTime calls with a center-stage function are conceivable, with the device moving in the direction of the person speaking. It is conceivable that the device will be delayed by a few more years. Apple is also said to be working on a robot with wheels. For internal use – production or “back of house” in retail stores – is also working on a mechanical robotic arm, according to the report.
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