Die Apple-Robotern kommen.

Mark Gurman revealed that Apple is developing a desktop robot positioned as a "virtual companion," equipped with a rotatable robotic arm and a 7 - inch display, and plans to release it in 2027. Its signature feature is a new version of Siri that can participate in multi - person conversations and has memory capabilities.

At an all - hands meeting this month, Apple CEO Tim Cook told employees mysteriously that although he couldn't go into details, the upcoming product line was "amazing" and there was a lot to look forward to.

Well - known tech leaker Mark Gurman updated the latest outlook for Apple's product line on Wednesday, allowing the outside world to get a glimpse of what makes these new products "amazing." This news also pushed Apple's stock price up during intraday trading, ultimately closing 1.6% higher.

(Apple's daily chart, Source: TradingView)

It is reported that the core hardware of Apple's artificial intelligence strategy is a desktop robot positioned as a "virtual companion." It looks like an "iPad mounted on a movable robotic arm" and can rotate to track users in the room. Apple envisions that users will place this robot on a desk or kitchen countertop to handle work, browse media, or manage daily affairs.

The signature feature of this device is the (long - delayed) new version of the Siri voice assistant. It can join and participate in multi - person conversations, interact around the clock, and retain memories of past conversations.

The prototype of the device uses a horizontal display of about 7 inches, similar in size to an iPad mini. The robotic arm can extend the display about half a foot (15 cm) in any direction from the base. Some people who have seen the product call it the "Pixar Lamp" - the famous logo of the animation movie company. Apple published a paper in January this year showing a lamp - shaped robot.

(Source: Apple's paper)

According to the schedule, this product won't be released until 2027. Gurman also revealed that Apple will first release a standalone smart home display in the middle of next year, which initially won't include a robotic arm and conversational Siri. Both the display and the desktop robot will run a new operating system called Charismatic, designed for multi - user use. The interface mainly revolves around dials and widgets, and these widgets usually focus on specific tasks.

It is reported that the appearance of Apple's smart home display is similar to Google's Nest Hub, but it is more square, with a thin black or white frame and rounded corners. The 7 - inch display is placed on a hemispherical base and also supports wall - mounting.

(Google Nest Hub)

Undoubtedly, the success or failure of this product depends on Apple's transformation of Siri. Apple engineers are developing a version called Linwood based on the technology of the foundation model team. There is also a competing project called Glenwood that uses external technology to power Siri. Currently, Apple has not decided which models to use but has been testing Anthropic's Claude.

Gurman also revealed that in the process of developing the desktop robot, Apple engineers are making extensive use of ChatGPT and Google Gemini to build and test features, and the overall development team is increasingly using third - party systems.

In addition to the desktop robot, Apple is also developing a home security camera codenamed J450, which supports face recognition and automated task execution. Apple believes that users will install cameras throughout their homes to assist with automated control, such as automatically turning off lights when people leave a room.

It is reported that Apple is developing a variety of cameras and home security products with the goal of competing with Amazon Ring and Google Nest. The company has also tested a doorbell that uses face recognition technology to unlock doors.

In addition to home products, Apple is also planning a series of new hardware products, including an ultra - thin phone that will be launched next month. In the near future, the company will also launch AI glasses, a foldable phone, a 20th - anniversary iPhone, an improved head - mounted display, and a large foldable device that combines a MacBook and an iPad.

This article is from the WeChat official account "Science and Technology Innovation Board Daily." Author: Shi Zhengcheng. Republished by 36Kr with permission.