Apple is working on an autonomous home robot capable of handling FaceTime video calls, managing lighting, and acting as an intelligent smart home hub. According to insiders cited by Bloomberg, the internal project is code-named J595, and the device may hit the market under the name HomeView Ultra. The development is actively promoted by the company's new CEO, John Ternus, who is betting on expanding Apple's smart home appliance lineup.
Launch Timeline and Pricing Policy
According to available information, Apple plans to release the HomeView Ultra in 2027 with a starting price of $1,000. However, sources point to a potential delay to 2028 due to manufacturing process bottlenecks. Bloomberg reports that the device's design will resemble the iconic 2002 iMac G4: a square display the size of two side-by-side iPads mounted on a distinctive stand. Built-in speakers will allow the screen to serve as a HomePod replacement, while a new operating system will provide support for iPad apps, including FaceTime, Notes, and Calendar.
From a 2018 Prototype to a Full-Fledged Smart Hub
The history of the J595 project dates back to 2018, when the first system prototypes were approved by then-Apple CEO Tim Cook. Over the subsequent years, the engineering team consistently evolved the concept, turning a simple movable video call stand into a full-fledged intelligent hub with home management features. The transition from a conceptual stand to an autonomous robot with artificial intelligence elements marked a milestone in the multi-year development.
Talent Shortages and Technical Challenges
Despite its grand ambitions, the project has faced serious hurdles during development. The hardware part of the robot is being built by a small team of just ten robotics specialists—such a limited headcount is attributed to brain drain from the division in previous years. At the same time, the software division and AI integration involve over 300 developers, highlighting the priority of software in Apple's strategy.
Parallel Projects and Competition in the Humanoid Market
In addition to the HomeView Ultra, John Ternus supports a parallel secret Apple project aimed at creating robots for household chores, specifically folding clothes. Implementing such systems will require developing complex manipulators and limbs. This indicates the company's long-term interest in the humanoid assistant market, where Apple intends to compete with specialized startups 1X Technologies and Figure AI.
Expert Assessments: The Logic of Gradual Transition
Market analysts note that from a safety and technical capabilities perspective, Apple's strategy looks logical: start with small robots performing specific tasks in a home environment, and only then move on to developing full-fledged autonomous humanoids. This phased approach allows the company to minimize risks, test core technologies in controlled scenarios, and gradually expand device functionality for the end user.
