Apple’s J595 Home Robot Faces Software Delays and AI Scope Cuts
Apple’s J595 home robot project has reportedly struggled because software development lagged behind a mostly settled hardware design, with the hardware team favoring a faster release while the software team prefers a delay. According to cnBeta, the initial product’s capabilities have been narrowed to FaceTime calls and simple home automation such as turning on lights, rather than the broader proactive AI features previously planned. Apple reportedly aims for a price of about $1,000, while the launch could move from next year to 2028.
The reported scope reduction and internal split over timing show that Apple’s first home robot remains a hardware-led project with unresolved software and AI capabilities.
苹果新任CEO约翰・特纳斯希望公司认真推进机器人业务，但从这款计划对外发售的初代产品研发进度来看，他或将面临一场硬仗。该设备配有一块9英寸屏幕，搭载可活动机械臂，外形酷似皮克斯动画里的台灯。
苹果早在2019年就启动这款机器人项目，内部代号J595。项目初期定位保守，主要设想用于视频通话；机械臂的作用是跟随用户在房间内移动。但随着管理层希望为它叠加AI能力，项目目标大幅膨胀。
按照当前设计方案，这款机器人搭载摄像头与各类传感器，可以完整感知周边环境、自主行动：当有人走进房间，它可以开灯，甚至尝试驱赶桌上的猫咪；同时内置避障能力，防止磕碰周围物品。