Apple Unveils Plans for Tabletop Robot and More

Company’s Next Event Dubbed “Glowtime,” Set to Take Place on September 9

Apple has announced its next product event, dubbed “Glowtime,” which will take place on September 9 at the company’s Apple Park headquarters and streamed online. During the event, the company is expected to unveil its next iPhone, the iPhone 16, as well as updates to its iOS operating system.

Tabletop Robot and More

In addition to its hardware updates and aggressive move into generative AI, a report from Bloomberg suggests that Apple is working on a “tabletop robot” and a version that can follow the user, similar to Amazon’s mobile Astro robot.

Tabletop Robot

The new hardware could debut in two to three years, according to Bloomberg. The Apple desktop robot would potentially feature an iPad-like screen attached to a base that would pivot to follow the user’s movements.

Generative AI and Home Robots

Apple’s move into robotics would not be surprising, as many of the other largest tech companies are also developing robots, including Tesla, Amazon, and NVIDIA. However, some Apple watchers don’t see the point.

Industry Insights

Philip Elmer-DeWitt, veteran journalist and editor-in-chief at Apple 3.0, thinks that the products described by Gurman have little mass appeal and won’t garner enough attention for Apple to pursue.

Mass Appeal?

“Would you buy an iPad attached to a robot arm that could follow you during Zoom calls?” Elmer-DeWitt asked. “The universe of people who might use such a thing is too small for Apple to pursue.”

Air of Anticipation

While next week’s Glowtime Apple event is focusing on iPhones, the tech giant’s announcements always carry an air of anticipation, with investors and consumers alike opining about what Apple will reveal next. Whether or not that will someday include a robot remains to be seen.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Apple’s plans for a tabletop robot and more are exciting and innovative, but it remains to be seen whether they will have mass appeal or become a successful product line.

FAQs

Q: When is Apple’s next product event?

A: Apple’s next product event, dubbed “Glowtime,” will take place on September 9.

Q: What can we expect from the event?

A: The company is expected to unveil its next iPhone, the iPhone 16, as well as updates to its iOS operating system.

Q: Is Apple developing robots?

A: According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple is working on a “tabletop robot” and a version that can follow the user, similar to Amazon’s mobile Astro robot.

Q: When can we expect the robot to debut?

A: The new hardware could debut in two to three years, according to Bloomberg.

Q: Who is Philip Elmer-DeWitt?

A: Philip Elmer-DeWitt is veteran journalist and editor-in-chief at Apple 3.0.

Q: What does Elmer-DeWitt think about Apple’s plans?

A: Elmer-DeWitt thinks that the products described by Gurman have little mass appeal and won’t garner enough attention for Apple to pursue.