Shaping its AI future, Apple is apparently exploring robotic smart home devices, including a tabletop companion and hub, with new operating system slated for 2026–27.
Apple is reportedly intensifying its efforts in artificial intelligence (AI), with new smart home products forming the core of its next phase. According to industry sources cited by Bloomberg, the company is redirecting its AI ambitions towards hardware that integrates advanced personal assistance features.
At the centre of this initiative is said to be a tabletop AI companion. Described as resembling an iPad on a robotic stand, the device reportedly features a seven-inch display mounted on a motorised arm. The screen can move up to six inches in any direction, enabling it to follow a user’s position. This system is expected to incorporate a redesigned Siri, allowing it to recall details, hold conversations and provide contextual suggestions. A launch is expected to occur in 2027.
Apple is also believed to be developing a smart home hub, which is a simpler version of the companion without robotic movement. This device could arrive as early as 2026. It would support music control, note-taking, videoconferencing and web browsing. Both products are expected to operate on a new platform, internally referred to as Charismatic, which can recognise multiple users.
Siri is being tested with a brighter personality and potential visual form, ranging from animated icons to Memoji-style characters.
These developments reflect Apple’s growing focus on robotics and smart home integration, areas in which it has lagged behind rivals. Prototypes of home devices have reportedly been under discussion since 2022, with concepts for personal robots surfacing in 2024.
While detailed planning appears to be underway, there remains the possibility that Apple could delay, modify or cancel these projects.
