Apple is developing a larger, robotic version of the HomeView, according to a report by The Information's Aaron Tilley. Rumors have referred to the device as the "HomeView Ultra" or "HomeView Max," although Apple could ultimately choose a different name.
A prototype reportedly features a 9-inch display attached to a swiveling arm. The design is said to resemble Apple's iMac G4 or Pixar's lamp mascot, while Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has previously reported that the screen can rotate a full 360 degrees.
The device would include familiar HomeView capabilities such as FaceTime, but it is also designed to understand its surroundings and operate autonomously. Cameras and sensors could allow it to turn on lights when someone enters a room, interact with objects in its environment, and avoid collisions.
According to the report, the hardware has largely been finalized for about two years. However, internal disagreements at Apple reportedly concern which software functions should be included in the first-generation product and which should be delayed for a potential second generation.
Apple is reportedly targeting a 2027 launch in the United States at a price of around $1,000. The release could be delayed until 2028 if development takes longer than expected.
Apple has also explored other home robots, including a wheeled device that follows users, an airborne robot designed for indoor use, and a machine capable of folding clothes. It remains unclear whether any of those projects will reach the market.
Sources: MacRumors.