Robotics · 2026-11-02
Apple plans $1,000 home robot for FaceTime and lights
According to The Information, Apple is developing an AI home robot that could cost $1,000 or more and arrive around 2027, though its currently reported features are modest.
What the robot is
According to The Information, Apple is working on an AI-powered home robot code-named J595. It would autonomously roam rooms, support FaceTime calls, and switch on lights when someone enters a room. It could be named HomeView Ultra, in line with Apple's recently announced stationary smart display HomeView.
Apple's new CEO, John Ternus, is reportedly backing the home robot work. A separate Apple project is also focused on household tasks such as folding clothes.
When and for how much
The company reportedly aims to launch the robot with a possible price of $1,000 or more by 2027, although development delays could push the launch to 2028.
The earliest prototypes date back to 2018, and former CEO Tim Cook approved continuing the project.
Why skeptics have doubts
The robot's reported features look modest compared with existing smart home devices and even inexpensive robot vacuums, which have a clearer purpose. According to The Information, engineers are trying to add capabilities beyond being a "fancy way to make FaceTime calls" to justify the high price.
The key question is whether enough buyers will pay that much for a device that moves around the home and controls lights.
Team size
One source told The Information that Apple has about 10 "true roboticists," and many members of the original engineering team have left. The software side has about 300 people.
Safety and comparison
From a technical and safety standpoint, a limited-purpose home robot is much more realistic right now than a general-purpose autonomous robot that could pose risks near people. For comparison, robotics startups 1X and Figure AI are working on general-purpose humanoid robots.
Useful from the source
- The Information: Inside Apple's slog to create its first robot — An investigation by The Information into Apple's work on its first home robot.
- 1X — A startup developing general-purpose humanoid robots for homes and work.
- Figure AI — A company building general-purpose humanoid robots powered by AI.
Sources: 🔗 Ars Technica — AI