Apple Explores Robotics and AI-Powered Hardware Concepts Amid Strategic Shift

Apple is quietly reigniting its robotics ambitions as part of a broader pivot beyond Apple Intelligence. Internal prototypes under evaluation include a tabletop robot with a swiveling screen—dubbed the "Pixar Lamp" for its lifelike motion—and smart home displays slated for potential 2026-2027 launches. The robotic assistant, codenamed J595, would leverage facial recognition and motorized movement to enhance video calls and physical interactions.

While Bloomberg reports confirm active conceptualization, Apple remains silent on development timelines. The company is simultaneously exploring wheeled mobile bots and industrial humanoid robots, capitalizing on its legacy of hardware-software integration. "Apple's strength lies in seamless user experiences," notes AI expert Gary Marcus, hinting at untapped potential in embodied AI.