Thanks. But if that's it ...I still don't see the point of it. Seems like a very niche use case. And more of a novelty.
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First Plans for Apple's Tabletop Robot Spotted in Supply Chain
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I call these things "iPad on a stick". They automate the task of holding an iPad. But is this a problem? Are people having problems holding their iPads? It seems that you could use a $5 plastic stand to tilt the iPad up. I don't see why it needs to move.
Well, I would use it if it was a magnetic mount and wireless charging station with HiFi BT audio that would intelligently switch the audio signal between the iPhone or iPad and my MBA while the iPhone would be in a position that I could use the cam for meetings.
Now I have an iPhone stand and the JBL Flip6 for audio, but I have problems when I use the iPhone as a webcam and take a call on the iPhone.
So this would not be a robot, but a multifunctional iPhone and iPad wireless charger and BT box and stand.
It would be best if the magnet is so strong that I can throw the iPhone at it as I walk past.
Now I have an iPhone stand and the JBL Flip6 for audio, but I have problems when I use the iPhone as a webcam and take a call on the iPhone.
So this would not be a robot, but a multifunctional iPhone and iPad wireless charger and BT box and stand.
It would be best if the magnet is so strong that I can throw the iPhone at it as I walk past.
it would actually make sense if it literally *was* a stand for an ipad, sold as a bundle. good use of a smart connector
I wonder if they mean something more than a simple arm, or stand to hold the display. Do you think it will be adjustable, or be able to move in the manner that a robot might? Why the word "robot?"
Fascinating.
There is zero information from Apple, let alone any official announcement, and still people are responding to this rumor as if Apple has already opened up pre-ordering.
If it doesn't sound like an Apple product or anything remotely useful, it's likely because what is described here is far away from what Apple might be working on.
If it doesn't sound like an Apple product or anything remotely useful, it's likely because what is described here is far away from what Apple might be working on.
You don't really think that anyone has actually seen this un-produced product yet, do you? Did you know that the very first iPhone was laughed at and mocked, and no carrier would carry it because they thought it was stupid. The only carrier who would take a chance and put it in their lineup was AT&T. No other carrier could carry it because AT&T had a five year exclusive on it. My point is, no one really knows a *amn thing about it. Let's wait and see and then condemn it if warranted.
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Not a doubt in my mind Steve Jobs was charmed by that little robot in the movie. It's right up his alley.
I would, if I thought Apple could do this right or if it even had a use-case. My HomePod still won't reset itself to see bulbs or even my location. Don't want a robot that will likely be based on it.
The robot arm is not a selling point for me. No ads would be great though.Well, they don't have a robot arm and are subsidized by ads.
Amazon reportedly loses billions on its device business.
Also, Apple sells monitor stands for $1000, so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
I don't disagree with the concept, but I don't see the practical application. What could this thing offer that would make someone who DOESN'T use their service decide to use it? This seems more like a device to KEEP people subscribed to their services instead of GETTING people subscribed. A "quality of life" type move....which obviously assumes it turns out to be useful if it is ever released.
Agreed!! If this thing NEEDS a screen to make it a product (wouldn't it just be a HomePod without it?), it would be a bad product experience if you go to use it and its functionality is all but gone because the screen is "missing", lol
Plus a "stand" would not force you to purchase ANOTHER device....lol...I know it is a bit cynical but the fact that in 2024 you can't have different profiles on an iPad makes me believe that Apple will just ALWAYS force you into multiple devices VS device sharing.
I think they are trying to make it have a purpose good enough to get people to spend money on it. Amazon and Google lose money on those devices trying to "buy" people into their ecosystem. There hasn't been a compelling enough reason for someone to spend enough money to justify it. Maybe there is now....who knows until the final thing is released, but this problem has existed for a while and Apple doesn't need to purchase ecosystem users like the others do.
Yeah, I mean I think something like that might be what it does.....but boy will it be disappointing if that is it. While that is "neat" it certainly doesn't mean that a large number of people would spend $1000....even $500 on that. I currently use an iPad with some thin metal plates adhered to the back. I can then place it in my house at multiple points using magnets. I have them in all the spots I might want it to be. It is definitely "good enough" for someone like me. My wife rarely even uses the magnets and just has it next to her and that is even "good enough" for her.
I just hope they have come up with some better features than an iPad that faces you if you look at it. Honestly I just don't think this will ever come out. Lots of people at the top tech companies in the world have had the potential to come up with the "killer reason" for this type of product and haven't. Maybe Apple has, but I think this is more of a ploy to root our leaks than a product that will see the light of day. I will be happy if it does and has the "killer reason" as theoretically it will make my life better in a meaningful way, but likely not.
I was wrong saying that it wasn't mentioned. Sorry.It might not be in the article, but it is in the original report, which is what this article is based off of.
From the original report:
“ It's aiming for a release between 2026 and 2027 for around $1000.”
Apple Pushes Ahead With Tabletop Robot in Search of New Revenue
Apple Inc., seeking new sources of revenue, is moving forward with development of a pricey tabletop home device that combines an iPad-like display with a robotic limb.www.bloomberg.com
FYI, Gurman was also one of the first to report the Vision Pro’s $3000+ price tag (which everyone called impossible) so…
Most people here are constantly claiming Gurman doesn't know his butt from his elbow. Regardless it is pure speculation.
Commentary specific to a 2026-at-the-earliest device are flat silly. Apple has years of evolution to go on whatever this rumored robotic product may or may not turn out to be.
Apple's rumored tabletop robot has been spotted in its global supply chain for the first time, Taiwan's United Daily News reports.
Apple has apparently chosen Hongzhun to play a critical role in the development of the forthcoming device. Specifically, the supplier will be responsible for developing key mechanical components and casings for the tabletop robot. Once the product moves into mass production, Hongzhun will be tasked with producing the mechanical parts on a large scale. Hongzhun is a subsidiary of Foxconn, a longstanding manufacturing partner of Apple.
At its most recent shareholders' meeting, Hongzhun announced its intention to invest in emerging technologies such as robotics and AI, signaling a move away from its traditional focus on producing casings for laptops and game consoles. Hongzhun has prior experience in assembling Foxconn's own "FoxBot" robot.
Apple's robot project, reportedly code-named J595 internally, is described by Bloomberg as a desktop device that combines an iPad-like display with a robotic arm. It is designed to serve as a central hub in Apple's smart home ecosystem, integrating with other Apple products and services like Siri, and run a variant of iPadOS. It could be introduced as soon as 2026, with an estimated price tag of approximately $1,000.
Article Link: First Plans for Apple's Tabletop Robot Spotted in Supply Chain
Also note that all those folks saying "its not a robot" need to look up the many definitions of what robot means.
One of my iPads has a permanent spot on my desk as a display for my surveillance cameras and Facetime calls. it acts like a new take on a landline phone. I can see this new device having a shot at being successful. I would certainly consider it depending on its capabilities and price.
