Apple's Secret AI Robot With Expressive Arm Now a Major Focus [Report]

Apple's AI tabletop robot is now a major priority for the company as it scrambles to make AI-centric devices, according to a new report from Mark Gurman. In a newsletter to subscribers, Gurman highlights this renewed focus on a device that blends robotics with artificial intelligence for the home.

This J595 robot, as it's reportedly known internally, is designed to build on Apple's long-awaited smart home hub (J490). While that initial hub faces ongoing delays, potentially pushing its release to 2026, the J595 appears to be a more ambitious take. It's expected to feature an AI-driven personality and additional sensors. A robotic arm is apparently central to the device; it's thought this arm won't just angle the iPad-like screen for better viewing on a desk or counter, but could also use expressive movements to make the device more interactive.

The development of such AI-powered devices falls under Apple's robotics unit, which was recently moved from the AI and machine learning group to the hardware engineering division, led by John Ternus. Veteran executive Kevin Lynch is said to helm this robotics team. Gurman had previously noted that this tabletop machine with a robotic arm would incorporate an AI assistant and serve as a more advanced iteration of the smart home hub project.


The initial smart home hub (J490), described as Apple's take on the Google Nest Hub and primarily controlled by Siri, has been undergoing internal testing with employees. However, its launch has been tied to the delayed rollout of advanced Siri features. The tabletop robot is seen as a stepping stone for future projects within Apple's evolving AI and hardware strategy.

While this AI tabletop robot isn't expected at WWDC 2025 in June, it's possible that platform updates revealed at the conference could hint at the software capabilities being developed for such future AI-centric home devices. Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for updates.