Apple is Building a $1,000 HomeView Robot With a 9-Inch Swivel Screen

According to a report by The Information, Apple is working on a high-end ‘HomeView Ultra’ robotic device, featuring a 9-inch screen capable of swivelling a full 360 degrees (via MacRumors).

Designed to act autonomously around the house, the device incorporates a camera and an array of sensors allowing it to maintain complete environmental awareness. Engineers have designed the autonomous system to handle daily tasks like turning on room lights automatically when someone enters or even nudging a pet away from restricted areas.

Despite the hardware design being largely finalized for nearly two years, development has reportedly faced internal friction. Apple executives and engineering teams said to have clashed over software roadmaps, specifically debating which advanced automation features should debut on the first-generation model versus being saved for a successor.

Current internal timelines point to a potential release window in 2027 or 2028, with an expected retail price hovering around $1,000 in the U.S.

Beyond the stationary swiveling model, exploratory research within Apple’s labs has touched on even more futuristic concepts. Engineers have toyed with alternative robotic form factors, including a rolling robot that follows users around on wheels, a flying drone-style camera for indoor monitoring, and even automated machines designed to fold laundry.

It remains unconfirmed whether those experimental designs will ever make it past the prototype stage. For now, consumer attention remains focused on Apple’s broader ecosystem rollout, but the evolution of the HomeView lineup indicates that the company views robotics as a core pillar of the future smart home.