Apple plans 2027 tabletop AI companion

Bloomberg reports a move to hardware driven AI with a tabletop companion and a home hub planned for 2026 and 2027 respectively.

Apple maps 2027 tabletop AI companion and smart home hub

Apple is reportedly shifting its AI strategy toward hardware so it can reach everyday use. The centerpiece is a tabletop AI companion described as an iPad on a movable robotic arm. The device reportedly has a seven inch horizontal display and a motorized arm that can move about six inches away from the base in any direction. It is designed to face the user as they move through a home or office and would run a long promised overhaul to the Siri voice assistant, enabling more natural conversations and proactive suggestions. Bloomberg says Apple aims for a 2027 release for the companion, while a simpler smart home hub could arrive in 2026. Both devices are said to run a new operating system called Charismatic that is built to support multiple users. Siri on the device is described as having a cheery personality and potential visual avatars, though final aesthetics have not been decided.

The plan signals a shift from software only to a hardware led AI strategy. If real, the tabletop companion could turn Apple devices into a more tangible presence in daily life, expanding how people interact with technology at home. It also introduces new questions about privacy, data handling, and how much personal information the company will collect through an always ready assistant. The project sits alongside a broader push into the smart home market and tests the tension between convenience and control in a highly connected ecosystem. The move could deepen Apple’s layout of hardware and software, but it will face competition from established players while needing to convince users that a moving display and chatty Siri are worth the cost and complexity. A successful rollout would hinge on clear value, strong privacy safeguards, and a simple, reliable user experience that fits with existing devices.

Highlights

The coming months will reveal how Apple balances ambition with practical hardware.