In search of new revenue streams, Apple is continuing to develop an expensive desktop home device that combines a display similar to an iPad with a robotic arm, according to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, who cites his sources.

It is reported that a team of several hundred people is working on the creation of this robotic arm. The development is led by company veteran Kevin Lynch, who holds the position of Vice President of Technology. Lynch oversaw the development of Apple’s self-driving car and, until recently, managed the creation of software responsible for monitoring health metrics in the Apple Watch. The hardware engineering team involved in the development of the robotic arm is led by Matt Costello, who previously headed the development of the HomePod smart speakers.

According to Gurman, the device is expected to become the command center of the smart home. It will also be able to be used for video conferencing and remote control of home security systems. The device, described by Gurman’s sources as a robot with a 360-degree rotating screen, is intended to be a more advanced alternative to home products such as Amazon’s Echo Show 10 smart display and the discontinued Portal smart screen from Meta.

Gurman’s sources indicate that Apple approved the project back in 2022, but the active phase of development only began a few months ago. The device is expected to hit the market in 2026 or 2027. Apple is currently looking for ways to reduce its cost to $1,000, but the company’s plans may change before the device’s release.

An Apple spokesperson declined to comment on the new product when speaking to Gurman. The journalist notes that Apple’s industrial design team has been exploring desktop robot concepts for many years, but the company has not reached a consensus on whether to pursue this direction.

Gurman also reports that Apple is working on augmented reality glasses and exploring the possibility of releasing less ambitious wearable devices, such as smart glasses that could compete with Ray-Ban smart glasses from Meta. Meta calls its Ray-Ban smart glasses a revolutionary product, but they do not offer a true augmented reality experience, only allowing for making calls and recording videos.

The journalist also claims that Apple is considering creating a version of AirPods with built-in cameras, likely to assess the surrounding environment and adjust sound accordingly using smart algorithms. Additionally, the company is continuing to work on a foldable iPad, which is not expected to hit the market until at least 2027–2028.