Apple Explores Home Robotics and Laundry-Folding Technology
Apple is reportedly developing a robot that could fold your laundry, potentially allowing people to automate one of the most time-consuming household chores. According to a new report, the iPhone maker is experimenting with robots designed to perform everyday household tasks, including folding clothes without human assistance.
The project forms part of Apple's broader push into robotics, which also includes a robot that follows people around their homes, an indoor flying drone, and an advanced smart home device with a robotic arm. However, the laundry-folding robot remains an experimental project, and Apple has not announced a working consumer product, a price, or a release date.
How an Apple Laundry-Folding Robot Might Work
Apple is reportedly exploring robots designed to handle specific household chores rather than trying to build a single machine that can do everything. One of these projects focuses on folding laundry, a task that requires a system to recognize, pick up, and manipulate different types of clothing.
Unlike handling rigid objects, folding clothes can be particularly difficult for machines because fabrics bend, stretch, and change shape. Reports indicate that Apple's robotics team is investigating devices capable of completing such everyday tasks. A robot dedicated to folding clothes could potentially be easier to develop than a humanoid robot designed to perform many different household activities.
However, current reports do not explain how Apple's laundry-folding machine works, how far development has progressed, or whether a functioning prototype has been demonstrated. It remains unclear whether Apple intends to release the device commercially to consumers.
Other Robotic Concepts Under Development at Apple
Besides the laundry-folding machine, Apple has reportedly explored other robotic products for the home environment. One concept involves a robot equipped with wheels that could follow users as they move between different rooms. Another project involves a small flying robot designed to operate indoors.
Such devices could eventually provide assistance around the home, although their exact capabilities remain unclear at this stage. According to reports, Apple's robotics efforts are being led by longtime executive Kevin Lynch. Furthermore, Apple executive John Ternus is reportedly particularly interested in developing robots that can perform useful household tasks.
Despite these internal explorations, these projects are still being evaluated, and there is no guarantee that any of them will become commercial products available in stores.
Details on the $1,000 Smart Home Robot Scheduled for 2027
Apple is also developing a more advanced smart home device that could be called HomeView Ultra. Unlike the laundry-folding robot, this product is reportedly further along in development. The device is expected to feature a 9-inch touchscreen mounted on a motorized robotic arm.
The arm could rotate and automatically position the display toward users as they move around a room. Its design has reportedly been compared to Apple's old iMac G4 and the animated desk lamp featured in Pixar's branding. The device is also expected to use cameras and sensors to understand its surroundings.
For example, it could automatically turn on lights when someone enters a room or respond when a pet jumps onto a table. The sensors could also help prevent the robotic arm from hitting nearby objects. Apple reportedly wants to price the device at approximately $1,000.
Software Challenges and Launch Timelines for Apple Robots
Although much of the smart home robot's hardware has reportedly been ready for around two years, Apple is still facing software-related challenges. Reports indicate that the company's hardware and software teams have disagreed about which features should be included in the first version.
The hardware team reportedly wants to release the product sooner, while software developers have pushed for additional development time. Apple initially designed the device primarily for video calls, but its plans became more ambitious as the company began exploring additional capabilities.
The software team has reportedly considered focusing the first-generation model on basic features, including FaceTime calls and simple home automation. Apple is currently targeting a 2027 launch, although the release could be delayed until 2028. Meanwhile, the laundry-folding robot, wheeled robot, and indoor drone have no confirmed launch schedules.
