Apple is reportedly exploring humanoid and non-human robots as part of a potential smart home ecosystem. According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, these robots are still in the early proof-of-concept stage, which means the company is testing them internally before committing to a final product.
Apple recently published a research paper presenting EMOTION, a platform for humanoid robots to mimic human-like expressions via official movements, gestures, and body language. This aligns with Apple's broader focus on how users interact with robots, instead of just their outward experience. While the company hasn't verified any consumer-ready models, sources suggest that Apple's research covers a wide spectrum of robotic designs, from Pixar-style non-anthropomorphic machines to more complex humanoids.
Kuo believes Apple's cautious approach is motivated by previous experiences with ambitious plans like the Apple Car, which was eventually abandoned, and the Vision Pro, which faced early hurdles. The company appears to be prioritizing sensing hardware and software, ensuring that its robots can properly interact with humans before moving into mass production. Current projections suggest a debut date of 2028, but given Apple's history of abandoning experimental projects, delays or cancellations remain possible.
Despite the secrecy, Apple's interest in robots has been more open than normal. Publishing research papers allows Apple to connect with academic and business research networks while also attracting top engineering talent. This is required in an industry where progress is sometimes gradual, and scaling reliable humanoid robots remains difficult.
Other companies like 1X, Figure, and Apptronik are already working on industrial humanoids, with the goal of someday introducing them into households. However, affordability and practicality still remain major barriers. If the $3,499 Vision Pro was difficult to market, a house robot will certainly cost more. Apple should first show that consumers want household robots that go beyond basic automation, like robotic vacuums.
Apple's robotic ambition remains speculative. However, with continued research and development, the coming years will reveal whether the tech giant is actually prepared to change home robotics.