Apple is reportedly “exploring both humanoid and non-humanoid robots for its future smart home ecosystem”. According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the tech giant is currently in the early stages of looking into making two different types of androids, with the leaker theorizing both robots will likely enter mass production after 2028 if they move out of the concept phase.
Taking to X, (formally Twitter), Kuo said: “Apple is exploring both humanoid and non-humanoid robots for its future smart home ecosystem, and these products are still in the early proof-of-concept (POC) stage internally.
“While the industry debates the merits of humanoid vs. non-humanoid designs, supply chain checks indicate Apple cares more about how users build perception with robots than their physical appearance (so Apple uses anthropomorphic instead of humanoid), implying sensing hardware and software serve as the core technologies.”
This comes after the iPhone maker published a paper exploring human interactions with “non-anthropomorphic” androids in the style of Pixar’s iconic lamp.
Kuo continued: “The timeline from POC to formal kick-off varies. Given current progress and typical development cycles, Apple’s robot mass production likely won’t start until 2028 or later.
“Interestingly, Apple has been unusually open about sharing some of its robotics research during the early POC stage—possibly to attract talent.”
The analyst emphasized that just because these robots are reportedly in the proof-of-concept stage internally, that doesn’t mean the products will move ahead – while pointing to Apple’s cancelled car concept.
Kuo explained: “Essentially, POC is Apple’s testing ground, verifying whether product ideas and core technologies are viable before formal kick-off.
“Apple’s rumored foldable phone is currently in the POC stage. However, many projects never progress beyond POC—the Apple Car is probably the most notable example of a project that got stuck at this stage.”
