Apple’s Next Big Bet: Robots, Smart Home, and an AI-Centric Future

Cupertino, California: For months, Apple has been criticized for “lagging” in artificial intelligence. But according to a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company is quietly preparing a major push into AI-powered hardware — with robotics, smart home devices, and a revamped Siri at the center of its strategy.

Tabletop Robot Coming in 2027

At the heart of Apple’s long-term hardware roadmap is a tabletop robot expected around 2027.

• It will feature an iPad-like display, sensors, and a robotic arm.
• The arm will move the display to follow people around a room, summon the user, or assist with tasks.
• The goal: blend AI with physical hardware in a way no major tech company has done before.

New Home Devices

• Apple plans a HomePod with a display as soon as next year. It will share features with the robot but won’t include the arm.
• The company is also developing a home security camera and video doorbell system, aimed at competing with Ring, Nest, and ADT, while serving as a hub for home automation.

Siri’s Overhaul

• A visually redesigned Siri is coming to the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
• A new animated assistant for home devices, reminiscent of Microsoft’s Clippy, is in the works.
• Internally, Apple is pursuing two parallel strategies:
  1. “Lynnwood” – building Siri with upgraded in-house foundation models.
  2. “Glenwood” – rebuilding Siri using third-party AI models (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google) until Apple’s own tech catches up.

Foldables and Future Hardware

• Late 2020s: a foldable iPad–Mac hybrid.
• 2030s: a foldable iPhone is expected.
• September 2025 (near term):
  • The iPhone 17 line — Apple’s first major redesign in years.
  • A slimmer iPhone.
  • New AirPods.
  • An updated Apple Watch Ultra with a larger display and satellite connectivity for hikers.

From iPhone to AI Ecosystem

Gurman notes that in the next 5–10 years, the iPhone will no longer be the “center of the universe.” Instead, Apple’s devices — iPhone, Watch, Mac, AirPods, and upcoming wearables — will revolve around AI as the core of the ecosystem.