Apple has reportedly delayed its rumored smart home robot until 2027 at the earliest, and possibly 2028, according to The Information. The report says the robot's hardware has been finished for about two years, but its software is not ready.
The device's software team has reportedly pushed to delay the launch. It has also reportedly tried to strip back some proposed features and focus the product on a few capabilities, including FaceTime and automating home tasks such as switching on a light.
The Information reports the device is codenamed J595. Former Apple employees predict it will be called the "HomeView Ultra," after the HomeView smart display that launched last month. The robot could cost around $1,000 or more, depending on price increases for RAM and other components, according to the report.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said in 2024 that the robot could have a stationary, tabletop design resembling Pixar's famous lamp. The Information says it will have a 9-inch display that swivels on a robotic arm, along with cameras and sensors that can follow a user during a FaceTime call.