Apple's Home Robot Sparks Outcry Over Price and Redundancy

Post date: November 3, 2026 · Discovered: November 4, 2026 · 3 posts, 25 comments

Apple's rumored 2027 home robot and HomeView Ultra have ignited a firestorm of criticism. Analysts and users alike are calling the devices overpriced and lacking meaningful innovation compared to existing smart home products.

Commenters like mattyroses argue that smart switches and bulbs already perform the robot's basic functions, making it redundant. Ephera mocked the idea of a high-five-powered light switch, while Clent called out the lack of novelty in camera-equipped robots. Some, like riskable, pointed out that robotic arms for laundry have been around for decades, suggesting the real challenge lies in software integration.

The community consensus leans heavily toward skepticism, with many believing Apple's price tag doesn't justify the features. However, a small faction remains hopeful that Apple's AI and automation capabilities could revolutionize the space, though most see this as a stretch.

Key Points

#1Smart switches and bulbs already perform the robot's basic functions

mattyroses argued that the robot's features are redundant with existing smart home tech.

#2High-five-powered light switches are seen as impractical

Ephera mocked the idea of a high-five-powered light switch as more practical and affordable.

#3Robotic arms for laundry are not new

riskable noted that robotic arms for laundry have existed for decades, highlighting the software integration challenge.

#4The robot's price is seen as unjustified

atrielienz called the cost too high for its features, claiming it's not worth the price.

Source Discussions (3)

This report was synthesized from the following Lemmy discussions, ranked by community score.

23
points
Coming in 2027: Apple’s $1,000 home robot for FaceTime and switching on lights
[email protected]·15 comments·11/3/2026·by SocialistVibes01·arstechnica.com ↗
7
points
Apple HomeView Ultra, drone and laundry-folding robot reportedly in development
[email protected]·9 comments·11/3/2026·by SocialistVibes01·notebookcheck.net ↗
7
points
Apple HomeView Ultra, drone and laundry-folding robot reportedly in development
[email protected]·2 comments·11/3/2026·by SocialistVibes01·notebookcheck.net ↗