Apple Is Looking To Create Home Robots - Report

Apple may be hoping home robots will be its "next big thing," Bloomberg reports, citing sources familiar with Apple's projects. The potential change in focus comes after Apple shelved its electric vehicle project, which had been in the works for almost a decade.

While Apple was still working on it EV project, Apple's executives were told that automotive, the home, and mixed reality were the three most important facets of the company's future. Now that one of them has been nixed, it sounds like Apple is exploring more opportunities to develop tech for the home--specifically in the field of robotics.

Bloomberg's sources revealed two home robotics projects currently in the works--a mobile robot that would follow people around at home, and a robotic smart display designed to sit on a tabletop. While the latter is further along in development, Apple hasn't fully committed to it, with Apple executives reportedly not sure if they want to move forward with the project.

While Apple got its start in personal computing, the launch of the iPhone in 2007 dramatically changed the direction (and revenue) of the company. With the iPhone accounting for 52% of the company's 2023 sales, it's no surprise that Apple is constantly looking for a "next big thing" that might rival its own success with the iPhone. Just please do not call it the iRobot.

The company's most recent new product launch was the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset. However, with its $3,500 price tag, the Vision Pro is likely to remain a niche offering for the foreseeable future.