Apple Prioritizes AI-Powered Tabletop Robot as Smart Home Strategy Evolves

Apple is shifting gears in its AI and hardware strategy with renewed focus on a tabletop robot designed to bring artificial intelligence and robotics into the heart of the home. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the project—internally known as J595—is now a top priority for Apple as the company races to develop AI-centric devices that move beyond the iPhone.

What Is the J595 Robot?

J595 isn’t just another smart speaker or hub. It’s envisioned as an AI-powered tabletop robot, blending a screen-based interface with robotics and expressive movement. Gurman reports that a robotic arm is central to the design, likely allowing the device to adjust its iPad-like screen for optimal viewing and use physical gestures to interact with users in a more lifelike and engaging way.

While the full scope of its abilities is still under wraps, it’s expected to feature:

• A built-in AI assistant

• A range of sensors for environment awareness

• A robotic arm for movement and expression

• An on-device personality that makes it feel more like a companion than a gadget

This positions the J595 as a potential evolution of Apple’s smart home ambitions—a step up from voice-only assistants and static smart displays.

Building on Apple’s Smart Home Hub (J490)

The J595 builds upon an earlier Apple project, the J490 smart home hub, which has been in the works for years but has faced multiple delays. J490 was conceived as a Siri-controlled smart display, similar to the Google Nest Hub or Amazon Echo Show.

However, its release has been tied to the launch of Apple’s overhauled Siri, which still hasn’t shipped. In contrast, the J595 appears to be a more ambitious and expressive product, not only bringing visual and voice interaction but also physical movement, potentially giving it a personality and emotional presence in the home.

Leadership and Team Restructuring

Apple’s robotics projects were recently moved from the AI/ML division to the hardware engineering team, signaling a shift from long-term experimentation to serious product development. The initiative is now under the direction of Kevin Lynch, known for his work on Apple Watch and health technologies, with oversight from hardware chief John Ternus.

This restructuring suggests Apple sees robotics as a hardware-first opportunity, with AI as a foundational layer rather than the end product itself.

Will We See It at WWDC 2025?

Don’t expect to see the J595 at WWDC 2025, set for June 9–13. According to Gurman, the robot is still deep in development, and the event will focus on software announcements like iOS 19, Apple Intelligence upgrades, and the new “Solarium” interface design.

However, it’s possible that platform updates revealed at WWDC—such as Siri enhancements or new AI APIs—could lay the groundwork for how J595 and other future AI-powered home devices will function.

Why This Matters

As OpenAI, Meta, and Google push into AI-first hardware, Apple is making its own move—not by replacing the OS, but by bringing personality and utility to devices you live with daily. If successful, J595 could be the beginning of a new product category, where Apple’s design, AI, and hardware expertise intersect in the most personal space of all: your home.

Whether this robot ends up making coffee, tilting its screen to follow you across the room, or just being a helpful digital companion, one thing’s clear: Apple is thinking beyond the screen—and into the future of ambient AI.