Apple's Upcoming Innovation Might Be an iPad Attached to a Mechanized Limb
Apple's been dabbling outside its comfort zone, stepping away from flawless smartphone and smart home gadgets to delve into home-based robotics. Thisventure, the tech giant's first hint, is a big-screen iPad attached to a tabletop robot arm – not your typical Samsung Ballie or Homepod. Picture an AI-powered iPad, with a screen that twists and rotates, serving as your smart home's command center, videoconferencing window, and security guard rolled into one.
Earlier this year, whispers about this smart home robotics shift surfaced. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the master of tech rumors, reported that hundreds of Apple employees are now dedicated to this iPad-plus-robot-arm concept. The smart arm is said to be a blend of Homepod, Echo Show, and smart hub dock, all integrated and mobile.
The idea was first born back in 2022, but the project has flourished lately, following Apple's cancellation of its electric car dream – as reported by Bloomberg in February. This shift to AI, aptly dubbed "Apple Intelligence," is expected to be a significant part of the device.
According to Bloomberg's report, the brilliant minds behind this project include CEO Tim Cook, John Ternus (head of hardware engineering), Kevin Lynch (VP of technology), and Matt Costello (VP of hardware engineering for Homepod). Lynch previously led Apple's self-driving car project.
Smart home tech hasn't been a cash cow for big tech companies. Last month, The Wall Street Journal reported that Amazon is burning through billions on its Echo lineup. With an aim to make Alexa a part of millions of homes, Amazon is offering inexpensive devices but is aiming to recoup losses with AI subscriptions.
The iPad-robot arm is still in its early stages, with a prototype using a modified version of iPadOS – the software that often lags behind MacOS in terms of versatility. Yet, Apple is aiming for a launch by 2026 or 2027, with a hefty $1,000 price tag.
However, the concept of a robot arm with a screen conjures up images of the 50s-era Jetsons' technology that seems less practical in this age of smartphones. Whether or not this device can prove its purpose remains to be seen.
Despite Apple's foray into home-based robotics, the tech giant seems to be blending traditional devices like the Homepod and Echo Show with engineering innovation. Apparently, the homepod-inspired smart arm is part of the AI-powered iPad, serving as a command center for videoconferencing and home security.
The project, apparently spearheaded by top Apple executives such as Tim Cook, John Ternus, Kevin Lynch, and Matt Costello, aims to revolutionize the smart home tech market, which has reportedly been a loss-making venture for companies like Amazon.
It's interesting to note that the iPad-robot arm concept was initially introduced in 2022, but the project gained momentum following Apple's decision to abandon its electric car project. This shift towards AI, dubbed "Apple Intelligence," is expected to be a significant feature of the upcoming device.
However, the practicality of a robot arm with a screen in today's smartphone-dominated world is a valid concern. Whether this tech will prove its purpose and justify the proposed $1,000 price tag remains to be seen in the future of technology.
