Apple’s ambitious tabletop home robot, internally codenamed J595 and widely expected to be branded as the HomeView Ultra, faces a delayed launch window stretching into 2028 alongside an estimated price tag of around $1,000. While the physical hardware has reportedly been finished for roughly two years, the software team is pushing for extra development time to refine autonomous AI capabilities.
Motorized Robotic Arm Rotates 360 Degrees
The device is designed around a roughly 9-inch display mounted on a motorized robotic arm capable of rotating a full 360 degrees. This mechanical setup provides approximately 65 percent more screen area than the stationary, base-model smart display. Described in reports as resembling an articulated desk lamp or the classic iMac G4, the hardware relies on integrated cameras and environmental sensors to support obstacle avoidance and situational awareness.
According to reported product details, the robotic base allows the screen to swivel autonomously to follow users during active FaceTime calls. Additional automated household tasks include turning on lights when someone enters a room and performing targeted actions like shooing a cat off a table. The project traces its origins back to 2019, when it was initially conceived primarily as a video-calling tool before advancements in artificial intelligence expanded its scope.
Software Delays Push Release to 2027
Although the hardware has been ready for production for two years, software development has lagged behind. The software team has experienced internal disagreements and proposed scaling back certain planned features to concentrate on a core set of capabilities, such as FaceTime integration and basic home automation tasks like switching on a light.
Apple’s new HomeView Ultra or Max could get a full-size leap: a 9-inch smart display, an articulated swivel arm, upgraded sensors, AI tracking, and a projected $1,000 price—all expected in 2027 (maybe 2028). This represents a major upgrade over the current 6-inch model and… pic.twitter.com/5vMeaXuo3t
— https://x.com/dailytechonx/status/2117293938008629276
John Ternus, who took over as CEO from Tim Cook in September 2026, is said to be steering Apple’s robotics work onto a more serious footing following the cancellation of the company’s automotive project. Apple is officially targeting a 2027 release window, though development delays could push commercial availability into 2028.
Positioning Against the Base HomeView
The anticipated retail price of roughly $1,000 positions the robotic device far above the stationary HomeView, which was introduced on October 13, 2026, with a starting price of $299 in the United States and £299 in the United Kingdom. The standard HomeView features a 7-inch Liquid Retina display, Siri AI, smart home controls, and personalized profiles for up to six household members. At more than three times the price of the base model, the HomeView Ultra targets a premium market segment requiring substantial software justification.
Earlier coverage: Apple Projected to Release Tabletop Robot in 2027
Apple 'HomeView Ultra' With 9-Inch 360º Screen Detailed in New Reporthttps://t.co/8SsnucLBmu
— https://x.com/iPhone_News/status/2117273887180300446
Apple 'HomeView Ultra' With 9-Inch 360º Screen Detailed in New Report https://t.co/5bpIv6KyC3 pic.twitter.com/OsNguqaQvx
— https://x.com/MacRumors/status/2117271453393719690