According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is diving into the realm of "personal robotics" to create its next groundbreaking innovation. Gurman reports that Apple is currently exploring two projects in this space, one involving a mobile robot that follows users around their homes, and the other centered around an advanced table-top home device.

Sources familiar with the matter, who opted to remain anonymous due to the project's confidentiality, revealed that Apple's engineers have been testing a mobile robot with the capability to accompany users within their homes. In addition, the tech giant has also developed a table-top device that utilizes robotics to move a display around.

The report also suggests that Apple is researching the integration of AI algorithms to assist these robots in navigating cluttered spaces within people's homes. While Apple has expressed interest in creating robots capable of performing tasks like dishwashing, the engineering challenges associated with such endeavors are deemed extremely difficult, with expectations of a potential release not until later in the decade.

Apple's exploration into personal robotics puts it in direct competition with the likes of Amazon and its Astro robot, which functions as a mobile virtual assistant and home security monitor.

Regarding the advanced table-top device, one concept being considered is a display that mirrors a person's head movements during a FaceTime video call. However, the company has faced technical hurdles in terms of balancing the weight of the robotic motor on a small stand. Discussions within Apple's executive team have revolved around the feasibility and potential development of such a device.

It is essential to note that these personal robotics projects are still in the early stages of research, and it remains uncertain whether any of them will be released to the public. Nevertheless, these ambitious ideas reflect Apple's ongoing commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring technologies that enhance daily life.

In other news, MacRumors revealed a potential glimpse of iOS 18's rumored visionOS-style redesign. An anonymous source, claiming to be an iOS engineer, provided the image of a Camera app frame template, which is rumored to be part of the Apple Design Resources for iOS 18.

Additionally, rumors surrounding the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max continue to circulate. Expected to launch later this year, these devices are speculated to feature larger displays and several other yet-to-be-confirmed improvements.

As for software updates, Apple is anticipated to introduce new changes with iOS 17.5. Among them, it is expected that iPhone users in the European Union will be able to download apps directly from eligible developers' websites. Furthermore, alterations to Apple ID recovery contacts may be incorporated into the update.

Finally, Apple has recently added the iPhone 6 Plus to its list of "obsolete" devices globally, indicating that Apple Stores and Authorized Service Providers will no longer offer repairs or hardware services for the device. Similarly, the iPad Mini 4 has been classified as "vintage" by Apple.

While Apple's foray into personal robotics holds immense potential, it is important to recognize that these ambitious projects are still in the early exploratory phases, and it remains to be seen which ideas will eventually come to fruition.