In search of new sources of revenue, Apple continues to work on a home device with a screen that combines an iPad-like display with a robotic mount. This is reported by Bloomberg, confirming previous rumors.

The company now has a team of several hundred people working on the new device. It will use a robotic arm to move the display up or down and 360 degrees. This device will work as a command center for the smart home.

The device, codenamed J595, can be used to control smart home elements, video conferencing, and as a way to access Siri and Apple’s AI-powered toolset, Apple Intelligence.

It is reported that at first, Apple could not come to a common vision for the new product. The software development and marketing teams had their own concerns about the device. The marketing team was not confident that such a product would be bought, and the development team was concerned about the human resources required to create the software.

Nevertheless, in 2022, the new device was given the green light with a plan to release it in 2026 or 2027. Apple is thinking about selling it for about $1000, but things can still change before the release.

It is also known that Apple has made the project the sole responsibility of Kevin Lynch, one of its veteran executives. His official title is vice president of technology, and he previously worked on the development of self-driving cars, as well as led the development of smartwatches and health software.

The hardware engineering team is also involved in the new product, and Matt Costello, who leads the development of HomePod, will also be responsible for the hardware of the device. In addition, it is reported that the company is working on a robot that will move around the house and is considering the possibility of developing a humanoid version.

Other products that Apple is currently working on to varying degrees include augmented reality glasses and less ambitious smart glasses that are supposed to be similar to Meta’s Ray-Ban. In addition to this, the company also has plans to create AirPods headphones with cameras and a foldable iPad that could appear in 2027 or 2028.