Apple develops $1,000 HomeView Ultra with robotic arm
- Apple is developing the HomeView Ultra with a 9-inch display on a robotic arm.
- The device is expected to cost approximately $1,000.
- A potential launch is targeted for 2027, though it could slip to 2028.
- The robotic arm can rotate 360 degrees to track users and avoid obstacles.
- Hardware has been largely finalized for two years, but software development continues.
The project features a 9-inch display mounted on a motorized robotic arm, though the release timeline could slip into 2028.
The device carries a target price of approximately $1,000 for the United States market. While the final product name remains undecided, the company is exploring this new category of smart home technology.
Aaron Tilley of The Information reported the development of this robotic smart home hub. This information corroborates previous details shared by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman regarding the device's development.
Apple has not officially confirmed the name or the specific launch timeline for the product. Although a 2027 release is the current objective, the schedule remains subject to potential delays.
Robotic arm and 360-degree display capabilities
The device features a 9-inch display mounted on a motorized robotic arm. Mark Gurman reported that this screen is capable of rotating a full 360 degrees.
This design, which resembles the classic iMac G4 or the lamp mascot from Pixar, allows the screen to automatically turn toward a speaker. The system uses built-in cameras and sensors to track users and maintain this focus.
The robotic arm provides a range of motion that exceeds the current Center Stage feature. Equipped with sensors, the device is designed to be fully aware of its environment.
It can perform autonomous tasks such as turning on lights when a person enters a room. The device also uses its cameras to detect pets on furniture and avoid collisions with obstacles.
Priced at approximately $1,000, this unit aims to integrate into daily home life.
Hardware finalized as software development continues
Development of the project began in 2019, initially intended as a simple FaceTime device. Plans eventually evolved to incorporate the robotic arm and advanced artificial intelligence features.
Apple has largely finalized the physical hardware for the device for approximately two years. Despite the completed hardware, the device has not yet entered the manufacturing stage.
Software development remains ongoing as the company works to integrate further AI capabilities. Internal disagreements regarding feature sets have influenced the project timeline.
Internal disagreements over software features
Internal disagreements exist at Apple regarding which software features to include in the first-generation model.
These debates have led to discussions about delaying certain specific features for a potential second-generation device. Such disagreements have contributed to delays in the overall project timeline.
Comparison to standard HomeView smart hub
Apple introduced the standard HomeView smart home hub in October as the centerpiece of its smart home strategy.
The standard HomeView is priced at $299, which is roughly ₹28,000 in the United States and ₹39,900 in India. It is available in both tabletop and wall-mounted versions, though the wall-mounted model costs more once the required mount is added.
Sales for the standard model are set to begin on November 13.
The upcoming robotic model is intended as a premium addition to Apple's smart home lineup rather than a replacement for the first-generation HomeView. The standard model was announced on October 13, 2026.
Exploration of other robotic concepts
Apple has explored other robotics concepts beyond the HomeView Ultra. These projects include a clothes-folding robot, a flying unit, and a mobile unit on wheels.
It remains uncertain if any of these experimental robotics projects will ever be released.
Pricing targets and market uncertainty
The HomeView Ultra is expected to carry a price tag of approximately $1,000, or roughly ₹90,000. This price remains subject to change before the product is released.
Apple is aiming for a 2027 release date in the United States, though the launch could be pushed to 2028. The $1,000 price target has not been publicly announced.
Apple has not provided pricing for the unreleased robotic device for markets outside of the United States. The final cost may change based on market conditions and component pricing.
Conflicting reports on launch dates
A social media report claimed the HomeView would be available on November 13, 2026, for $299. This report conflicts with information regarding the larger Ultra model.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Apple HomeView Ultra: 9-Inch Robot, $1,000 Report [2026] (tech-insider.org)
- Apple 'HomeView Ultra' With 9-Inch 360º Screen Detailed ... (facebook.com)
- Apple HomeView Ultra Details Surface With 9-Inch Swivel Screen (macobserver.com)
- Apple HomeView Ultra Could Cost Around $1,000 | The Apple Post (theapplepost.com)
- Apple 'HomeView Ultra' With 9-Inch 360º Screen Detailed in New Report - MacRumors (macrumors.com)
- Nine-inch HomeView Ultra again rumored for 2027 or 2028 — AppleInsider Forums (forums.appleinsider.com)
- Apple HomeView Ultra With 9-Inch Display, Robotic Arm Said to Be in the Works; Price, Launch Timeline Tip... (gadgets360.com)
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