Apple’s lamp robot concept – Image credit: Apple Machine Learning Research
Apple’s work in robotics has been impressive so far, but consumers will have to wait until 2028 at the earliest to be able to buy an Apple robot.
Apple’s development in robotics has been long-running, and has recently resulted in the demonstration of one novel prototype in a video. However, there’s still a long way to to before anyone will be able to buy an Apple robot in some form.
In a Wednesday X post, TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo offered that Apple is actively working on robots for the smart home, both in non-humanoid and in humanoid form. So far, they are still in an internal proof-of-concept stage, rather than anything the public can even consider using.
Kuo’s supply chain checks indicate that the humanoid robot may not be as important to Apple, as it appears Apple cares “more about how users build perception with robots than their physical appearance.” That is, Apple is leaning more to anthropomorphic creations like the lamp concept instead of more human-like hardware.
This, to Kuo, implies that the sensing hardware and software are serving as core technologies for Apple.
Long waits and talent acquisition
As for when consumers could potentially get their hands on an Apple robot, Kuo offers some bad news. While the timeline between proof-of-concept to a formal kick-off can vary between products, Kuo estimates that the mass production of a robot won’t start until 2028 or later.
This is somewhat later than was previously speculated for an earlier rumor of a robot arm with an iPad attached to it. Proposed back in August 2024, it was expected for an introduction of the device by 2026 or 2027, with a price tag around $1,000.
Kuo also adds some insight into the production process, and how Apple is “unusually open” about the proof of concept stage this time around. While rumors often discuss phases like NPI, EVT, and MP for product development, Apple doesn’t usually offer any real hints about proof-of-concept creations.
It’s advised that POC is a testing ground to verify whether a product idea and associated core technologies are viable before a formal kick-off. In many cases, projects go through the POC stage but fail to progress, such as the Apple Car.
Apple’s openness on the “Pixar Lamp” robot concept is, therefore, extremely unusual for a company that has an ingrained culture of secrecy. Kuo proposes that this could be a move to “attract talent” to further flesh out its robotics concepts.
The company has already put out job ads for robotics engineers and other roles in the field, which certainly indicates a willingness by Apple to explore the field further.
