Apple is reportedly diving into the world of robotics, with longtime analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggesting the tech giant is experimenting with both humanoid and non-humanoid form factors. A recently published Apple research paper explores human interaction with “non-anthropomorphic” robots, including a Pixar-style lamp. While this research signals Apple’s growing interest in robotics, Kuo cautions that the work remains at an early proof-of-concept stage, similar to the now-abandoned Apple Car project. If development continues, mass production may not happen before 2028.
Unlike previous Apple projects that remained tightly guarded, this robotics research is more visible, partly due to the collaborative nature of the field. Robotics development often involves university research and corporate transparency to attract top engineering talent. Kuo suggests Apple’s focus is less on humanoid aesthetics and more on human-robot perception, which could mean innovations in sensing hardware and AI-driven interactions. Early leaks point toward a robotic smart home assistant rather than a full-fledged humanoid, which would align with Apple’s strategy of refining existing technologies rather than introducing groundbreaking but impractical products.
With the demise of the Apple Car and the slow start of products like the Vision Pro, Apple appears to be taking a cautious approach to robotics. The home robotics space is littered with ambitious failures, and affordability remains a key challenge—particularly for humanoid designs. While Apple has a history of popularizing emerging tech categories, breaking into home robotics will require not just technological prowess but a compelling use case that consumers actually want. One thing is certain: Apple is exploring this space, and we can expect years of speculation before anything tangible emerges.