Apple Has Reportedly Been Secretly Working On Robots That'll Roam Your Home

Apple is rumored to be diving into the world of 'home robots' for its next big project.

A report from Business Insider suggests that the tech behemoth is setting its sights on fresh territories.

This shift in focus comes right after Apple decided to drop its long-term ambition of creating a self-driving car.

On top of that, Apple's been dealing with a lawsuit from the Department of Justice.

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The lawsuit accuses Apple of restricting users to its own ecosystem, practically nudging them towards buying more Apple gadgets.

And there's more trouble in paradise. 

Apple's iPhone sales have dipped in China, and the EU slapped them with a hefty $1.8 billion fine for stepping out of line with music streaming rules.

With all that's been going down, Apple is keen on charting a new course and brewing up some innovative ideas.

Part of this new direction is pumping up their AI development game, especially as giants like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI are making significant strides in that area.

But robotics seems to be another exciting avenue Apple's exploring, a journey they reportedly embarked on back in 2019.

Doug Field, who has since moved to Ford, was at the helm of a project eyeing innovations like indoor-friendly quiet drones.

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After Field said goodbye to Apple in 2021, the company's robotics team has been reportedly zeroing in on gadgets for the home, Bloomberg notes.

It's still early days though, and it's a bit of a mystery if any Apple-branded home gadgets will hit the shelves anytime soon.

Yet, there are whispers that Apple might not be letting go of everything from their car project.

Sources have claimed that the tech developed for the self-driving car, namely SafetyOS, could be tweaked for robots.

Bloomberg mentioned that at least one engineer who worked on the car project has now been shifted to the robotics team.

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Home robotics isn't uncharted territory. Just look at the Roomba, the vacuum that roams around your house on its own.

What Apple's robotics adventure will eventually lead to is still anyone's guess.

Bloomberg heard from a source about a 'mobile robot' project that could tag along with users at home.

And there’s talk about an innovative tabletop gadget that might have a display moving thanks to robotics.

Whatever Apple is cooking up, they're clearly on the hunt for the 'next big thing,' aiming to replicate the monumental success of the iPhone.

But matching that level of impact is a tall order.