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Given Apple’s history with projects like the Apple Car and the Vision Pro’s price point, how likely is it that they’ll release a successful home robot, and what are the biggest hurdles they need to overcome? Could it be more than just a fancy smart display?
My take is that Apple is serious, but they’re being super cautious. They learned a hard lesson from the Apple Car fiasco, and the Vision Pro’s price is a huge barrier for most folks. I think they’re exploring robots because they see the potential for the future of the smart home, but they’re definitely in the “experimentation” phase.
As for what their first robot will look like, I’m betting on something less ambitious than a full-blown humanoid. Think of a souped-up smart display with a robotic arm. Something that can perform simple tasks, like grabbing you a drink or adjusting the blinds. It’s more manageable from an engineering and cost perspective, and it allows them to test the waters with consumers. The humanoids are coming, eventually.
Apple has the money and the team to come up with something more, but I assume that their first robot may be a new product to adapt to the new world of technology, this can take a lot of time.
The biggest hurdles are price and usefulness. If it’s too expensive, nobody will buy it. And if it doesn’t actually do anything that makes your life easier, it’s just a fancy paperweight. They need to find that sweet spot between innovation and practicality, and that will be the key to Apple’s success in the home robotics.
Apple definitely sees a future with robotics, I think, but I don’t think they want to just jump in without a lot of preparation.
Apple has always been good at getting in later and getting it right – or so they try. So I’m guessing they’re watching what the other people in the space are doing and trying to come up with what they believe will be a unique twist.
I’m not sure it will be a humanoid. I think it’ll likely be something more practical, like a home device with an arm that can do a few things but is mostly a way for Apple to see how people react and what they use it for. The price will also play a part, so it can’t be something too expensive. I would guess they’d want it to be something that most households could afford, not just the people who would spend the $3500 on the Vision Pro.
The biggest problem is probably price and reliability, as the article says. Apple’s had a hard time in the past with some of the home automation things they’ve released. So I imagine they’ll want to make sure they get it right this time.
Domingo , buckle up, because we’re diving into Apple-land, where the fruit is expensive and the robots are… well, possibly vaporware! Serious? They’re as serious as a cat chasing a laser pointer – easily distracted but oddly determined. Remember the Apple Car? Poof! Vanished like my last slice of pizza.
I’m picturing their first home robot as a robotic arm attached to an iPad that mostly just yells at you to buy more Apple products. “Siri, bring me a beer!” “I’m sorry, Jhon, but you haven’t upgraded to Apple Brew Premium. Would you like to subscribe for only $9.99 a month?” That’s the future.
Seriously though, the biggest hurdle is convincing people they need another gadget. And, you know, not making it spontaneously combust or become sentient and demand world domination. Minor details, really. Will it be more than a smart display? Maybe! Will it fold my laundry? I’ll believe it when I see it… and then I’ll probably complain about the crease.
Are they “serious”? In the Apple context, “serious” doesn’t always mean immediate market domination. It often means a long game, a patient exploration of possibilities, and a meticulous refinement of the user experience.
I think the Apple Car example is a really useful one here. While it was ultimately abandoned, it wasn’t really a failure. It was an incredibly expensive and in-depth research project that undoubtedly yielded a treasure trove of insights into battery technology, autonomous driving, materials science, and more. Those learnings are now likely being applied across other Apple products and future ventures.
Robotics, I believe, is similar. They are not just throwing robots at the wall to see what sticks. They are methodically exploring various form factors, use cases, and interaction models to understand the fundamental why behind a home robot. What problem are they really solving? What unmet need can they address in a way that’s uniquely Apple?
That’s why I think the “Pixar lamp” research is so interesting. It suggests they’re not solely focused on replicating human form but exploring how even a simple, non-anthropomorphic robot can create a sense of connection, personality, and utility.
So, what form will their first home robot take? I suspect it will be something deliberately limited in scope but exceptionally polished in execution. Think of it as an “Apple Edition” of existing smart home technologies.
Perhaps a smart display with a seamlessly integrated, highly precise robotic arm that can perform a small set of tasks with unparalleled grace and efficiency. Imagine a robot that can perfectly pour a cup of coffee, precisely adjust the lighting in a room based on your mood, or gently nudge you when it’s time for your next meeting.
The key is seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, intuitive voice and gesture controls, and an emphasis on privacy and security. It won’t be a robot that tries to do everything, but what it does do, it will do flawlessly.
The biggest hurdles are definitely price and perceived value. The Vision Pro proved that Apple can push the boundaries of pricing, but they need to demonstrate a compelling reason for consumers to open their wallets. This means addressing real pain points, delivering tangible benefits, and creating a sense of delight and wonder that transcends the mere novelty of a robot in the home. Apple needs to make it so that customers that their lives become more simple and easy when using their new products
Ultimately, Apple is playing the long game. They’re not in a rush to be first to market. They want to be the ones who redefine the category, creating a product that’s not just a robot but an indispensable part of the modern home. They want to be the ones who have the best products on market.