Remember the hopping Pixar lamp that famously squashes the letter “I” in the studio logo at the beginning of almost every Pixar movie? Apple may be building something similar, except this Pixar-inspired device won’t actually hop or roll around your room.
Instead, its motorized robotic arm could swivel the screen around (basically moving it left to right, or vice versa, on an axis). According to a new report from The Information, the Cupertino giant is working on a larger, robotic version of its recently-announced HomeView smart display, and it might arrive as soon as next year.
What would this robotic HomeView actually do?
The device could be called “HomeView Ultra” or “HomeView Max.” The prototype reportedly resembles Apple’s old iMac G4. It will reportedly feature a nine-inch screen on a swiveling arm (or a 360-degree rotating arm) that should follow your movements around the room and turn toward whoever is speaking.
If you’ve already guessed it, the device will use a camera and sensors (probably an IR projector or a Face ID setup) to understand its surroundings and not just act, but respond. By responding, I mean turning on the lights when you walk into a room or trying to shoo a cat off the table.
I’m just being skeptical, but the device might be able to see at night, too. What’s interesting is that none of this began as a robot. Apple reportedly started the project in 2019, code-named J595, as a video-call device with an arm that followed you around.
But over time, Apple’s executives wanted more AI inside it. That’s how a simple FaceTime gadget turned into a robot-like thing that watches and decides.
When could it arrive, and what could it cost?
For now, you should only expect to wait (and to pay big bucks). The report puts a price tag of around $1,000 on the device, possibly more depending on component prices. It could arrive in either 2027 or, more likely, 2028.
Its hardware has reportedly been finished for about two years. Hence, software might be the holdup, since Apple’s quiver of AI features has been rolling out rather slowly.
I’m not sure how comfortable I’d be with an always-on camera on my desk, but I’m sure Apple will add a security feature. If you’re eyeing the regular HomeView arriving next week, I don’t think any of this changes your plans.
Apple announced the standard HomeView on October 13, 2026, with a seven-inch screen and a $299 price tag. Pre-orders are already open, with the device set to reach customers and stores on November 13, 2026.
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