Apple's Next Frontier: Exploring Robotics for Home Use

Insiders said Apple is developing personal robotics to lead home automation. According to reports, corporate engineers are developing a mobile robot to accompany consumers to their houses. Apple also reportedly created a tabletop home gadget that uses robots to move displays around a room.

According to the Japan Times, Apple is pressured to diversify its revenue streams, although these efforts are still under development. Terminating an electric-vehicle project and the long profitability timeframe for mixed-reality goggles highlight the need for fresh development routes.

By integrating robotics, Apple can harness artificial intelligence (AI) and increase its presence in consumers' homes, though Apple's strategy in this area remains unknown. The Apple robotic smart display looks to be ahead of the mobile bot, although it has varied in the company's product plan throughout the years, per reports.

John Giannandrea, Matt Costello, and Brian Lynch lead Apple's hardware engineering, AI, and machine-learning division robotics efforts. The company has considered both projects in the early research phase but has not committed to either.

Apple has not yet responded to rumors on its home robotics plans.

Shifting Gears

Apple has shifted its attention from automotive to smart-home prospects, as shown by its move into personal robots. Years ago, the iPhone maker explored tabletop robotics to build a display that could replicate customers' head motions during video conversations. Internal discussions have questioned the product's feasibility, citing customer demand and technological issues.

Apple has a secret, home-like facility in Cupertino where it tests future products and ideas. In addition to robotics, Apple is reportedly developing a smart home hub with an iPad-like display.

The firm faces the legacy of its failed electric vehicle experiment as it begins this robotics attempt. However, these programs' AI and machine learning advances give vital insights for future endeavors. Apple hires robotics experts to strengthen its teams working on these projects, emphasizing the convergence of contemporary machine learning and robotics to create its next-generation devices' AI.

Tim Cook, chief executive officer of Apple Inc., speaks during a launch event for the new Apple iPhone 15 at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, on September 12, 2023.

(Photo : NIC COURY/AFP via Getty Images)

Apple iOS 17.5 Beta Version Now Available for Developers

This news on Apple's home robotics endeavors comes after a global outage in its Apple App Store and other built-in services. Many users worldwide reported receiving "Something went wrong" error messages when connecting to the App Store. Users' screenshots show their dissatisfaction with being unable to use key platform functions.

Apple has informed consumers that it is investigating the disruption and working on a solution. The outage, which started at 6:31 p.m. ET, was resolved at 7:35 p.m. ET.

In another notable development, Apple recently released the beta version of iOS 17.5 to developers, allowing users to download apps straight from websites, a long-awaited functionality. This move complies with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires iPhone ecosystem openness, notably sideloading.

Sideloading in iOS 17.5 is a milestone for Apple customers who have wanted Android's features for years.

Apple issued iOS 17.5 beta to developers for DMA compliance, according to MacRumors. This version allows iPhone users to download applications from websites with supported browsers.

Although the beta program lets other users use this functionality, Apple restricts website-based app downloads to developers to help them perfect the experience. Notably, Apple requires developers to satisfy certain conditions to beta-test the new sideloading functionality. These conditions include producing documentation, participating in the Apple Developer Program for two years, and obtaining one million EU downloads.