Apple’s Ambitious AI Plans: Robots, Enhanced Siri, and Home Security Innovations

Apple is preparing a significant entry into the artificial intelligence market with a range of new devices. Among them are robots, a smart speaker with a screen, home security cameras, and an enhanced version of Siri, writes Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, citing sources.

According to the journalist, a desktop robot serving as a virtual companion will debut in 2027, becoming a central element of the company’s AI strategy. Next year, a smart speaker will be introduced as part of a basic home device lineup.

Home security is seen as a promising area for growth. Within this concept, new cameras will form the basis of a system capable of automating home functions. This approach will make Apple’s product ecosystem more “attached” to users, Gurman noted.

These steps aim to restore the company’s image. The last major project, the Vision Pro headset, failed in sales, and the design of the most successful devices has remained unchanged for many years. Simultaneously, Apple faces criticism for lagging in the field of generative artificial intelligence.

The firm is in the early stages of updating its AI software, with management believing that the future gadget lineup will help restore leadership and compete with Samsung, Meta, and other players in new segments.

In addition to home devices, Apple is preparing thin iPhones, expected to be released in 2025. In the longer term, smart glasses, a foldable smartphone, and an updated headset are planned. The company is also developing a large foldable device combining MacBook and iPad functions.

Robot

The Apple desktop robot resembles an iPad mounted on a movable “arm.” It can rotate and move, tracking the user.

The idea behind the new device is to give artificial intelligence a more “lifelike” form than existing solutions. The company envisions users placing the device on a desk or kitchen surface for work, content viewing, and day planning.

A key feature will be FaceTime. During a call, the screen can automatically track and focus on interlocutors. Apple is testing the possibility of turning the iPhone display into a joystick to control the robot’s movement and show different people or objects in the room during video calls.

The bot’s standout feature will be a new version of Siri, which will interact with users throughout the day and more easily remember information.

The concept is for the gadget to behave like a person in the room. The voice assistant will be the central element of the new device’s OS.

Smart Display

As part of the strategy to develop the smart home concept, a separate smart display is being prepared, scheduled for release in mid-2026. The device, codenamed J490, is a simplified version of the robot—without the “arm” and conversational Siri.

It is intended for managing gadgets in the room: playing music, creating notes, web browsing, and video calls. The interface is mainly built around dials and widgets—small software modules performing specific tasks.

New Siri

The foundation of the new home devices is a redesigned Siri architecture. Developers are creating software codenamed Linwood—a completely new “brain” based on large language models.

The software release is planned for spring 2026.

“The work we’ve done on this comprehensive Siri overhaul has yielded the necessary results. This has allowed us not only to deliver on our promises but also to offer a much larger update than we envisioned,” noted Senior Vice President of Software Development Craig Federighi at a staff meeting.

Camera

The camera, codenamed J450, is designed for home security, people detection, and task automation. The device will be battery-operated and can function from several months to a year on a single charge.

The gadget is equipped with facial recognition and infrared sensors to detect those present in the room. Apple expects users to place several units throughout the home to automate processes like turning off lights when leaving a room or automatically playing music.

The company also tested a doorbell with facial recognition technology for automatic door opening.

At a staff meeting, Apple CEO Tim Cook stated that the company “must” win in the AI field.