Apple's Rumored Desktop Robot Device to Be Manufactured by Foxconn [Report]

Apple has tapped Hon Zhun, a subsidiary of Foxconn, to produce components and casings for its rumored desktop robot device, according to new report from UDN. This development positions Foxconn as a key player in Apple's venture into the robotics market.

Hon Zhun is allegedly taking on the critical responsibility of developing the structural components and outer casing for Apple's new robotic product. This role is particularly notable as Hon Zhun becomes the first Taiwanese supplier publicly associated with Apple's rumored desktop robot project. The company has a history of producing robotic components, having previously manufactured and assembled Foxconn's in-house "FoxBot" robots. Hon Zhun will also mass produce these components once the device is launched.

The device, reportedly codenamed "J595," is expected to combine an iPad-like display with a robotic arm capable of 360-degree rotation. According to reports, Apple has assembled a team of several hundred people to work on the project, which has gained momentum after being approved by Apple's leadership in 2022. The device aims to serve as a smart home command center, offering videoconferencing capabilities and home security management, competing with products like Amazon's Echo Show 10.


Apple's industrial design team has been exploring robotic concepts for years, but the project faced internal debates about its viability, particularly regarding consumer demand and the substantial resources required for development. Despite these concerns, both Apple CEO Tim Cook and SVP of Hardware Engineering John Ternus have been strong proponents of the device, pushing it forward within the company. The project is now under the leadership of Kevin Lynch, Apple's VP of Technology, who has brought in key figures from the Apple Watch team, along with experienced robotics engineers, to accelerate the development process.

The device is expected to debut as early as 2026 or 2027, with a tentative price point around $1,000. However, this could change as the product nears its release.

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