Apple is developing a premium HomeView hub, potentially called HomeView Ultra, with a 9-inch display and an AI-powered, motorised robotic arm, signaling a major evolution in its smart-home lineup.

The launch is anticipated around 2027 at about $1,000, though some chatter suggests a possible 2028 delay due to unfinished software.

The prototype includes cameras and sensors to understand its surroundings and perform autonomous tasks like turning on lights or shooing pets, with safeguards to prevent collisions.

Software delays are a central factor holding back release, even though hardware work has largely been completed for some time.

No final product details or official confirmation exist; reports are based on rumors and a subscription-access article.

Engineering challenges—reliability, autonomy, and cost—are cited as key barriers that separate prototypes from a consumer-ready product.

Software updates indicate ongoing progression, with Version 27.2 released in late October, about six months after the initial software rollout.

Observers are urged to watch for official filings, supply-chain signals, and software clues in future iOS/macOS releases to gauge progress before any official announcement.

Earlier coverage from 2024 and 2026 noted the project’s progression, warehouse wait times, and Siri-related developments affecting the timeline.

Design considerations for the moving-screen concept include better orientation for shared spaces and implications for kitchen or countertop setups, with questions about responsiveness and user control pending a finalized product.

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Historical context points to Apple’s history of leaking prototypes that may never ship, so readers should distinguish concepts from confirmed products.