TL; DR
- According to the latest version of Gurman’s Power-On newsletter, Apple’s engineers are developing a version of Siri codenamed Linwood (created by the Apple Foundation Models team).
- Next up in the pipeline is a new operating system “designed to be used by multiple people” called Charismatic.
- It will primarily rely on voice interaction (via the upgraded Siri), widgets, and clock faces (sounds similar to the iPhone’s StandBy Mode), along with light software features that are dedicated to specific tasks.
- The launch of the smart home display in 2026 will mark Apple’s first serious push into the smart home space. It will feature a seven-inch touchscreen display mounted on a half-dome-shaped base.
- Finally, the company could also release a tabletop robot in 2027.
The Cupertino-based tech giant Apple has long been running behind its competition when it comes to advancements in artificial intelligence. While companies like Alphabet and Samsung have already equipped their flagships with a comprehensive suite of AI-based features, Apple is still struggling to bring its offerings on par.
The biggest example of this is Siri, which the company promised to launch as an AI-based voice assistant that understands personal context and recognizes the content on the screen. But that was at WWDC 2024, and since then, Apple has nothing to show for it, except certain lawsuits for selling the iPhone 16 while advertising features that weren’t even available at the launch.
However, it looks like the giant has turned its attention to the shortcomings. A couple of days ago, we reported on how the next-generation Siri (with the upgraded App Intents feature) could ship in the spring of 2026, likely between March and May. Now, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman adds to the claim, giving us a better idea of how Apple plans to come back strong in AI with a focus on hardware.
Also Read: Next-Gen Siri Could Launch In Spring 2026, Will Work With These Third-Party Apps
Revamped Siri At The Center Of Apple’s AI Push
According to the latest version of Gurman’s Power-On newsletter, Apple’s engineers are developing a version of Siri codenamed Linwood (created by the Apple Foundation Models team). It is based entirely on large language models, to tap into users’ data to answer queries (hence, taking care of the personal context bit that Apple promised).
“The new software, known internally as LLM Siri, is planned for release as early as next spring,” Gurman mentions in the newsletter. In addition to this, the company is also working on a visually redesigned assistant for its devices, which could also arrive next year. There’s another project codenamed Glenwood, a revamped version of Siri that’s developed using third-party technology.
The work on Linwood and Glenwood is going on under Mike Rockwell, the former product chief on Apple’s Vision Pro.
A New Widget-Heavy Operating System: Charismatic
Next up in the pipeline is a new operating system “designed to be used by multiple people” called Charismatic. It will primarily rely on voice interaction (via the upgraded Siri), widgets, and clock faces (sounds similar to the iPhone’s StandBy Mode), along with light software features that are dedicated to specific tasks (via Apple apps such as the Calendar, Camera, Music, etc).
As mentioned in the newsletter, Charismatic is being built for shared household devices, one that can recognize when a specific user is walking toward it (using facial recognition via a front-facing camera) and automatically switch layouts, features, and the app content to suit their individual preference. This will make the device ideal for living rooms, kitchens, or family spaces.
Moreover, the operating system should combine the approach of watchOS and tvOS, as “some versions of the software use circular app icons and feature a hexagonal grid of apps.” The operating system is being developed for two key hardware products that are a significant part of Apple’s AI push: a smart home display (expected in 2026) and a tabletop robot (expected in 2027).
Also Read: Apple to launch Smart Home Display with iMac G4-like Design in 2025
Apple’s First Smart Home Display Could Arrive In 2026
The launch of the smart home display will mark Apple’s first serious push into the smart home space. It might feature a seven-inch touchscreen display mounted on a half-dome-shaped base, perforated around the bottom edges (where it includes the speakers and the microphones). The description reminds me of the Google Nest Hub.
Additional features of Apple’s smart home display could include deep integration with Apple Intelligence features, including the revamped Siri, HomeKit (for seamless smart home control), high-quality audio output, note-taking (probably via voice inputs or AI transcription technology), video calling (via the FaceTime app), and visual notifications.
The display can also be mounted on a wall, allowing several people to use it as a shared home display (as I explained above, in the section about the Charismatic operating system).
Could Apple also explore selling a smart base (with speakers, a microphone, and charging pins) for the iPad mini, essentially converting it into a smart home device? Time will tell.
Also Read: Apple HomePod with Display delayed: Might arrive after WWDC 2025
Apple’s First AI Tabletop Robot To Launch In 2027
“The tabletop robot resembles an iPad mounted on a movable limb” that can move around to follow users in a room (sounds like Center Stage, but with a movable camera for FaceTime video calls). The device should be able to turn toward people, track their movement, and engage in conversations as an active participant.
Apple believes that customers could place the robot on a desk in their living room, office, or kitchen counter, and it will help them consume media, manage their day, and get other things done without reaching out for their iPhone. As I mentioned earlier, FaceTime calls will be among the key functionalities of the device, wherein it will be able to lock focus on people in a room.
In addition, Apple is also working on an app that will let buyers convert their iPhone’s screen into a joystick for controlling the tabletop robot. Powering the device’s conversational prowess will be the revamped version of Siri, engaging with users and recalling information without failure. “The idea is for the device to act like a person in a room.”
Interestingly, Apple could give the revamped Siri a makeover with a visual personality for this device (similar to Microsoft Office’s virtual assistant Clippy). The company has already explored making the virtual/visual assistant look like a lifelike version of the Apple Finder logo or something that looks like Memoji. Still, a final decision hasn’t been made on the appearance.
Also Read: Apple’s Secret Project Involves Personal Robots That Double As Video Conferencing Devices: Report
If everything goes according to plan, the device could see the light of day in 2027.
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