Apple’s tabletop robot to lead AI comeback strategy by 2027 - Bloomberg

Investing.com -- Apple is developing a tabletop robot as the centerpiece of its artificial intelligence strategy, with plans to launch the device in 2027, according to a report from Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter.

The robot resembles an iPad mounted on a movable limb that can swivel to follow users around a room. It’s designed to turn toward people speaking, seek attention from those not facing it, and inject itself into conversations between multiple people.

The device will feature an entirely new version of Siri with a visual personality, potentially resembling an animated version of the Mac’s Finder logo or something closer to Apple’s Memoji characters. This new Siri will be able to engage in back-and-forth discussions for planning trips or completing tasks.

The robot project, code-named J595, is being led in part by Kevin Lynch, who previously oversaw Apple’s smartwatch software and car initiatives. The company is also exploring other robotics concepts, including a mobile bot with wheels similar to Amazon’s Astro, and has discussed humanoid models.

Before the robot launches, Apple plans to release a smart speaker with a display by mid-2026. This device, code-named J490, is a stripped-down variant of the robot without the arm and conversational Siri capabilities. It will offer home control, music playback, note taking, web browsing and videoconferencing features.

Both devices will run on a new operating system called Charismatic, which is designed for multiple users and centers on clock faces and widgets. The system can scan users’ faces as they approach and automatically adjust layouts and content to match individual preferences.

CEO Tim Cook recently told employees at an all-hands meeting that Apple "must win in AI" and hinted at the upcoming devices, describing the product pipeline as "amazing."