Apple’s ‘Ultra’ smart home robot might have to wait until 2028

The Verge News

Summary

Apple's rumored smart home robot, codenamed J595 and possibly called the 'HomeView Ultra,' has reportedly been delayed to 2026 or even 2028 as its software remains unfinished despite completed hardware. The device is expected to cost around $1,000 and feature a 9-inch swiveling display focused on FaceTime and home automation.

<figure> <img alt="An image of the Apple logo on a colorful background." data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/STK071_APPLE_H.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Apple has reportedly delayed the launch of its rumored smart home robot until next year at the earliest or possibly even 2028, according to <a href="https://www.theinformation.com/articles/inside-apples-slog-create-first-robot"><em>The Information</em></a>. It says the robot's hardware "has been finished for around two years," but that the software isn't ready. The device's software team has reportedly pushed to delay the launch and "attempted to strip back some proposed features and focus the product on a few capabilities related to FaceTime and automating home tasks, like switching on a light."</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">According to <em>The Information</em>, the device is codenamed J595, but former Apple employees predict it will be called the "HomeView Ultra," taking aft …</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/1024496/apple-homeview-ultra-robot-rumor-delay">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
Original Article
View Cached Full Text

Cached at: 11/02/26, 06:34 PM

# Apple’s ‘Ultra’ smart home robot might have to wait until 2028 Source: [https://www.theverge.com/tech/1024496/apple-homeview-ultra-robot-rumor-delay](https://www.theverge.com/tech/1024496/apple-homeview-ultra-robot-rumor-delay) [![Stevie Bonifield](https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/STEVIE_BONIFIELD_BLURPLE.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C0%2C100%2C100&w=96)](https://www.theverge.com/authors/stevie-bonifield) Stevie Bonifield is a news writer covering all things consumer tech\. Stevie started out at Laptop Mag writing news and reviews on hardware, gaming, and AI\. Apple has reportedly delayed the launch of its rumored smart home robot until next year at the earliest or possibly even 2028, according to[*The Information*](https://www.theinformation.com/articles/inside-apples-slog-create-first-robot)\. It says the robot’s hardware “has been finished for around two years,” but that the software isn’t ready\. The device’s software team has reportedly pushed to delay the launch and “attempted to strip back some proposed features and focus the product on a few capabilities related to FaceTime and automating home tasks, like switching on a light\.” According to*The Information*, the device is codenamed J595, but former Apple employees predict it will be called the “HomeView Ultra,” taking after the[new HomeView smart display](https://www.theverge.com/tech/1009704/apple-homeview-smart-display-first-look)that launched last month\. The robot might cost significantly more than the HomeView, though, at around $1,000, potentially more depending on[price hikes for RAM](https://www.theverge.com/news/839353/pc-ram-shortage-pricing-spike-news)and other components\. *Bloomberg*’s Mark Gurman said in 2024 that the robot could have[a stationary, tabletop design](https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/14/24220475/apple-next-big-project-tabletop-robot-ipad)resembling[Pixar’s famous lamp](https://www.theverge.com/news/607663/apple-smart-home-robot-research-video)\.*The Information*says it will have a 9\-inch display that swivels around on a robotic arm, with cameras and sensors for things like following you around during a FaceTime call\. **Follow topics and authors**from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates\. - Stevie Bonifield

Similar Articles

Will the HomeView be Apple’s first smart home success?

TechCrunch AI

Apple is set to unveil the HomeView, a Siri-powered smart home hub with a display and A18 chip in countertop and wall-mounted versions, marking its most serious smart home push yet alongside updated Apple TV and HomePod mini devices.

How Apple can win the smart home

The Verge

Ahead of Apple's first dedicated smart home event, leaks point to a new HomeView smart display, refreshed HomePod Mini and Apple TV running a new homeOS with Siri AI, which could let Apple leapfrog Google and Amazon via software.

Apple’s &#8216;HomePad&#8217; will reportedly launch on October 13th

The Verge

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that Apple's long-rumored 'HomePad' smart home hub will be revealed on October 13th, alongside a new HomePod mini and upgraded Apple TV, all showcasing an overhauled Siri AI assistant. The hub is expected to feature a 6-inch tiltable display, wall-mounted or countertop options, and smart device control with voice and facial recognition.