Apple is exploring the development of both humanoid and non-humanoid robots as potential smart home products, though these projects are currently at the proof-of-concept stage. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that mass production for these robots is unlikely to begin until 2028 or later, despite earlier speculation of releases around 2026 or 2027. Recent prototypes include a lamp-like robot with lifelike movements and a tabletop robot with an iPad-like display, primarily controlled via Siri. This tabletop model is designed to interact with users, responding to commands and potentially serving as a premium smart home hub, with an anticipated price point around $1,000.

Key Points:

• Apple is investigating humanoid and non-humanoid robots for smart home use.
• Current development is in the proof-of-concept phase.
• Mass production might not start until 2028 or later, according to Ming-Chi Kuo.
• A tabletop robot with an iPad-like display has been prototyped and may interact using Siri.
• Earlier predictions suggested a 2026-2027 release timeframe, but those have been updated to 2028 or later.
• The expected high-end smart home hub could cost approximately $1,000.
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