Apple is planning a return to artificial intelligence with a lineup of new devices, including robots, an upgraded Siri, a smart speaker with a screen expected in 2025, and home security cameras with launch dates forthcoming.
Apple’s AI strategy focuses on a desktop robot virtual companion expected in 2027. A smart speaker with a screen is planned for next year, launching Apple’s move into affordable smart home products.
Home security is another area where Apple sees growth potential. New cameras will be central to an Apple security system that can automate household tasks. This strategy should help keep customers loyal to Apple’s products, according to sources who requested anonymity because the plans are not public.
Apple’s stock reached a session high on Wednesday (Thursday, AEST) after Bloomberg News shared details of the new plans, with shares up 1.7% by around 3:30 PM in New York. Over the past month, Apple’s stock has risen nearly 12%, catching up after lagging behind the S&P 500’s recovery since April.
These efforts are aimed at bringing back Apple’s innovative edge. The Vision Pro headset, Apple’s latest big project, has not sold well, and the company’s top-selling devices have looked mostly the same for years.
Meanwhile, Apple has faced criticism for falling behind in generative AI. OpenAI has also challenged Apple by creating new AI-powered devices with former Apple design chief Jony Ive.
Cook Seeks an AI Win
Though Apple is still early in improving its AI software, company leaders believe new hardware will be important for a comeback. This could help Apple compete with Samsung, Meta, and others in new product areas. A spokesperson for Cupertino, California-based Apple, declined to comment. Because the products haven’t been announced, the company’s plans could still change or be scrapped. Many of the initiatives and their timelines rely on Apple’s continued progress in AI-powered software.
CEO Tim Cook told employees at a recent all-hands meeting that Apple needs to succeed in AI and hinted at new devices. “The product pipeline—which I can’t talk about—it’s amazing, guys. It’s amazing,” Cook said. “Some of it you’ll see soon, some of it will come later, but there’s a lot to see.”
Beyond home devices, Apple plans to release slimmer, redesigned iPhones this year. Looking ahead, the company plans to launch smart glasses, a foldable phone, a special 20th anniversary iPhone, and a new headset called N100. Apple is also working on a large foldable device that combines features of a MacBook and an iPad. After years of slowing growth for its flagship products, it also nixed some expansions into new areas like self-driving cars, adding pressure to find other sources of revenue. Moreover, the new initiatives will help rebut the idea that the company is no longer innovating like it used to.
Last year, Bloomberg News reported that Apple was working on a tabletop robotics project called J595 and developing a new smart home strategy. Now, with the latest details, Apple’s timeline and goals for this market and its AI ambitions are becoming clearer.
Robots
The tabletop robot resembles an iPad on a movable arm that swivels to follow people in a room. It can turn towards someone speaking or calling it, or try to get the attention of someone not facing it. Apple imagines users placing it on a desk or counter to help with work. FaceTime calls are a main feature. During video calls, the screen tracks people in the room. Apple is also testing letting users control the robot with their iPhone to show different people or objects during a call.
The standout feature is a completely new version of Siri that can join conversations between several people. This updated Siri will interact with users throughout the day and remember information more easily.
The goal is for the device to behave like another person in the room. For example, it could join a conversation about dinner plans and suggest local restaurants or recipes. It is also being designed to have back-and-forth discussions for planning trips or managing tasks, much like OpenAI’s voice mode.
Source: Apple plots expansion into AI robots, home security and smart displays
