Apple Smart-Home Robot Delayed Over Software — SkimNews
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- Apple has reportedly delayed its rumored smart-home robot until next year at the earliest, with launch possibly slipping to 2028, according to The Information.
- J595 is the reported codename; according to The Information, the robot’s hardware has been finished for around two years, but its software is not ready.
- FaceTime was among the few capabilities the software team tried to prioritize as it pushed for delay and attempted to strip back proposed features, alongside automating home tasks such as switching on a light.
- HomeView launched last month, and former Apple employees predict the robot will be called “HomeView Ultra” after the new smart display.
- HomeView Ultra is reported at around $1,000, potentially more with RAM and other component price hikes, and significantly more expensive than HomeView.
- Mark Gurman of Bloomberg described a stationary, tabletop robot resembling Pixar’s lamp in 2024, while The Information says the device will have a 9-inch display that swivels on a robotic arm, plus cameras and sensors for following users during FaceTime calls.
Why it matters: Apple’s delay is attributable to software rather than hardware, which The Information says has been ready for about two years. With a possible 2028 schedule and a roughly $1,000 price, the material change is a product narrowed to FaceTime and basic home automation from a broader feature set.
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