Apple may be late to the AI party, but the company has taken significant strides to be a relevant contender in the space. One such example is from the recent news from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman that suggests that the multinational tech company is changing gears in its AI plan, focusing more towards smart home products and new device segments, one of which is a new tabletop robot.
According to the report, this range of new devices includes robots, a lifelike version of Siri, a smart speaker with a display, and home-security cameras. However, the centrepiece of this lineup is the alleged tabletop robot that has been described as an iPad with a robotic arm. The robot is capable of moving around a home or office space and uses a motorised arm to move its screen to face its user.
The device is also said to be equipped with the long-overdue Siri overhaul. With it, this robotic tabletop can act like a person, capable of recalling information, giving suggestions, and even chiming in on conversations. According to Bloomberg, Apple is aiming to release the product sometime in 2027.
On the other hand, the “smart speaker” with a display is allegedly scheduled to release in 2026 and is marketed as an entry-level product for the household. It has been reported that, in addition to playing music, this speaker can take notes, browse the web, and even hold video conferences.
It is also said that both devices will feature a new operating system called Charismatic and it is capable of supporting more than one user. According to Engadget, both will still feature Siri running in the device but have been given a more bubbly characteristic and may also receive a visual representation, finally attaching a face to the digital voice.
Despite the delays, all of these products line up well with the upcoming iOS 26.4 that comes bundled with the revamped Siri. Just in time too, as the tabletop robot has been in the works for sometime, even though it was Apple’s “major priority” at one point. Furthermore, this may only be just the beginning, as the tech giant’s smart home hub is rumoured to have a proper debut before the year ends, though there is no specific date for it as of yet.
