Apple's $1,000 Robot: FaceTime on Wheels?

Apple is pushing forward with its development of a household robot, with CEO John Ternus reportedly backing the initiative. The first product, internally codenamed J595 and possibly named HomeView Ultra, is envisioned as an autonomous mobile device supporting FaceTime calls and automated lighting control. This home robot could potentially launch as early as 2027, though development delays might push this to 2028, with an estimated price point of $1,000 or more.

Initial prototypes for Apple's robotic project emerged in 2018 and received approval for continued development. Engineers are reportedly working to enhance its capabilities beyond basic FaceTime functionality to justify its premium cost. However, current features appear limited when compared to existing smart home technology or even robot vacuums.

The team behind the robot consists of a small core group of about 10 robotics specialists, supported by a larger software team of approximately 300 individuals. While Ternus is also supporting a separate project focused on robots for household chores like folding clothes, the current focus remains on the more limited-purpose home robot for safety and technical feasibility reasons.