Apple’s HomePod And iPad Hybrid Tabletop Robot With An Arm Spotted In The Supply Chain, Estimated To Cost $1,000

After its big Vision Pro launch, Apple is planning to add another product to its line, which will come under its smart home devices. It was previously rumored that the company would launch a new tabletop robot with an arm that would hold an iPad-like display and speakers for its base. It is now being reported that a tabletop robot has been spotted in the company’s global supply chain for the first time, hinting at the imminent launch of the device.

Apple’s HomePod and iPad hybrid tabletop robot spotted in supply chain

Taiwan’s United Daily News reports that a tabletop robot has been spotted in the company’s global supply chain, and all the attributes point to Apple’s rumored smart home device. Apple has potentially selected Hongzhun, which will play a major role in the development of the smart home device with a robotic arm, including the external casing and the vital mechanical components.

Currently, the tabletop robot is in its initial stages of development, but once the devices get approved under Apple’s quality standards, the supplier will be asked to mass produce units of the same components. If you are not familiar, Hongzhun is Foxconn’s subsidiary which is one Apple’s key suppliers for the iPhone’s production.

The subsidiary supplier shared in its shareholder meeting that it intends to invest in emerging technologies such as AI and robotics, which indicates that it wants to pivot its way to advanced products rather than producing laptop and gaming console casings. We believe that Apple’s tabletop robot will be a smart home device, possibly with a homeOS interface connecting all the accessories that support HomeKit.

On the flip side, Bloomberg describe the device as a desktop device that combines the HomePod and the iPad. We are yet to see how the company positions the product and what use cases it can bring to the table. It will also be powered by advanced Siri and potentially Apple Intelligence as well, which will be useful in various situations. It could feature an estimated price tag of $1,000, which is not cheap compared to options from Amazon and Google. Would you pay a hefty sum for a HomePod and iPad hybrid?