Apple Pulls Some Features From Rumored Smart Home Robot [Updated] - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Pulls Some Features From Rumored Smart Home Robot [Updated]

Apple has scrapped some of the features that it had planned for its rumored smart home robot, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Apple Robot Thumb 1
"I'm told that Apple has pulled some bolder features from the device that could reappear in subsequent models," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter this week. However, he did not reveal any of the specific features that were pulled.

Apple made this decision in order to get the tabletop robot "ready faster," according to Gurman.

Last year, Gurman reported that Apple was developing a tabletop robot with an "iPad-like display" attached to a "robotic limb." At the time, he said that Apple was aiming to announce the device as early as 2026 or 2027.

The tabletop robot would be primarily controlled with Siri and Apple Intelligence, according to Gurman. He said the device could respond to commands such as "look at me," which would position the screen on the user's face during a FaceTime video call. The device would also understand different voices, he said.

The robot would be a higher-end version of Apple's rumored smart home hub, which Gurman expects to launch "by the end of this year at the earliest."

The original version of this article contained some inaccurate details that have since been corrected.

Popular Stories

iOS 27 Roundup iPhone Feature

Apple's Three-Year Plan to 'Reinvent' the iPhone is Underway

Wednesday April 8, 2026 8:04 am PDT by
Apple is in the middle of a three-year plan to "reinvent" the look and feel of the iPhone, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In a report this week, Gurman said the plan is as follows:September 2025: The redesigned iPhone 17 Pro models and an all-new iPhone Air (✅) September 2026: A foldable iPhone September 2027: A special 20th-anniversary iPhoneThe report said this iPhone roadmap has...
iphone air all colors

iPhone Air 2 and iPhone 18e Reportedly Launching Early Next Year

Wednesday April 8, 2026 9:38 am PDT by
Apple plans to release an updated iPhone Air and a lower-end iPhone 18e early next year, according to the latest word from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In a report this week, he said Apple plans to unveil the two devices in spring 2027, alongside a standard iPhone 18. If so, Apple will likely announce the trio of devices in March or April next year. It is unclear if there will be a live-streamed ...
Apple Foldable Thumb

iPhone Ultra's Price Range Revealed

Wednesday April 8, 2026 11:30 am PDT by
Apple reportedly plans to unveil its long-awaited foldable iPhone in September, and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has revealed the device's supposed price range. Apple's foldable iPhone is rumored to be named iPhone Ultra In a report this week, Gurman said the foldable iPhone is expected to "cross the $2,000 threshold" in the U.S., although it is unclear if he is referring to the starting price or...

Top Rated Comments

fel10 Avatar
12 months ago
Unfortunately, that seems to have become the norm with Apple lately.
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jz0309 Avatar
12 months ago

"I'm told that Apple has pulled some bolder features from the device that could reappear in subsequent models," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter this week ('https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-05-25/how-jony-ive-openai-deal-will-impact-apple-new-details-on-apple-s-ios-redesign-mb3lwu45'). However, he did not reveal any of the specific features that were pulled.
Gurman at this best… unannounced product, features removed yet he has no clue what features…
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jdavid_rp Avatar
12 months ago
Wouldn’t it be better a base where you can magnetically attach an iPad when you need a screen and a camera? And when you de-attach it it looks discrete and decorative like a HomePod.
They even have the new API so iPhones can control stabilizers to keep following a person and the Stage Center feature, so why not the same here for the FaceTime feature?

This way people could use it as an iPad charger/stand and choose the screen size depending on their needs (like a big one for the kitchen or a small one for the entrance)

Also you could be watching a video or a recipe while you cook and if the recipe needs like a 30min timer, you set it on the base and then take the iPad with you to the sofa to keep watching the video or the next steps in the recipe.

Honestly I expect this new device to be this modular, maybe not being an iPad but a touchscreen that receives signal from the base so it can stay slim and portable (like the Wii U Gamepad), because otherwise I don’t see its functionality
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
12 months ago
Everything seems rushed these days. Everything.

Apple used to only release devices when things were ready. It set them apart. Now they appear to rush things out as much as anyone.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jonnyb098 Avatar
12 months ago
“Disappointing setback” of an unannounced product no one’s asking for. 🧐
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
12 months ago

Unfortunately, that seems to have become the norm with Apple lately.
And it's why Tim Cook needs to go. He is half-assing everything in order to ship sooner.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)