Is Apple Really Working on a Robot? And Would People Buy It?

Apple on Monday announced its next product event, dubbed Glowtime, set to take place on Sept. 9 at the company‘s Apple Park headquarters and streamed online. As it has each fall, the company is expected to unveil its next iPhone, the iPhone 16, as well as updates to its iOS operating system.

Looking beyond its hardware update and aggressive move into generative AI, however, a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says that Apple is working on a “tabletop robot” as well as a version that can follow the user, which could be similar to Amazon’s mobile Astro robot. Gurman, in updating an earlier report from April, said the new hardware could debut in two to three years.

Apple moving into robotics would not be surprising, as many of the other largest tech companies are also developing robots—including Telsa, Amazon, and NVIDIA. But some Apple watchers don’t see the point.

“My gut feeling is that none of the products [Gurman] describes have the mass appeal Apple expects before it greenlights a project,” Philip Elmer-DeWitt, veteran journalist and editor-in-chief at Apple 3.0, told Decrypt.

According to the Apple-focused media outlet MacRumors, the Apple desktop robot would potentially feature an iPad-like screen attached to a base that would pivot to follow the users’ movements.

“Would you buy an iPad attached to a robot arm that could follow you during Zoom calls?” Elmer-DeWitt continued. “The universe of people who might use such a thing is too small for Apple to pursue.”

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Decrypt.

While next week’s Glowtime Apple event is focusing on iPhones, the tech giant’s announcements always carry an air of anticipation, with investors and consumers alike opining about what Apple will reveal next. Whether or not that will someday include a robot remains to be seen.

“This feels a little like the car and the headset—the planting of a flag in what Apple thinks might someday be a promising market,” Elmer-DeWitt said. “They have more disposable cash than God, and certainly more than most of their competitors.”

“If Gurman’s rumor starts a race to be first to market, so much the better for Apple,” he said.

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If Apple’s move into the robotics space seems surprising to some, it is indeed a direction many other tech giants are heading towards as well. With companies like Tesla, Amazon, and NVIDIA already working on robotic projects, it seems Apple is following suit. However, there are contrasting opinions on the potential success of such endeavors. Some industry experts believe that the products Apple is rumored to be working on may not have the broad consumer appeal the company usually seeks before launching a new project.

The idea of an Apple tabletop robot that could follow users around is intriguing, but whether there is a significant market for such a product remains uncertain. With the growing interest in smart devices and AI technology, it’s possible that Apple sees an opportunity to integrate robotics into its ecosystem. However, the practicality and usefulness of such a robot in everyday life are still up for debate.

As Apple prepares to unveil its latest iPhone and updates to its operating system at the upcoming Glowtime event, the speculation around its potential foray into the robotics space adds an extra layer of excitement. The company’s reputation for innovation and cutting-edge technology leaves fans and investors eager to see what the future holds for Apple.

In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, where competition is fierce and companies are constantly looking for the next big thing, Apple’s rumored foray into robotics could be a strategic move to stay ahead of the curve. With its vast resources and expertise in hardware and software development, Apple has the potential to make a significant impact in the robotics industry.

While the details of Apple’s potential robot project are still shrouded in mystery, the idea of an iPad-like screen attached to a robot arm that can track users’ movements during video calls is intriguing. However, the niche nature of such a product raises questions about its mass appeal and practicality in real-world scenarios.

As the tech world eagerly awaits Apple’s next move, the rumors and speculations surrounding its potential tabletop robot project continue to fuel discussions among industry experts and consumers alike. Whether Apple’s rumored robot will become a reality remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure – the tech giant’s commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of technology is unwavering.

In conclusion, while the idea of an Apple tabletop robot may seem far-fetched to some, it is indicative of the company’s forward-thinking approach to technology and innovation. As Apple gears up for its Glowtime event, where exciting new product announcements are expected, the possibility of a future with Apple robots roaming our homes and offices is both intriguing and exciting. Only time will tell if Apple’s rumored robot project will come to fruition, but one thing is certain – the tech giant’s ambition to explore new frontiers in technology knows no bounds.

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