A top Apple stock analyst says the consumer electronics giant is mulling whether to make a humanoid robot.
In a post on social network X on Wednesday, TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple is exploring both humanoid and nonhumanoid robots as part of its future smart-home ecosystem.
"These products are still in the early proof-of-concept (POC) stage internally," Kuo said. "Given current progress and typical development cycles, Apple's robot mass production likely won't start until 2028 or later."
"Interestingly, Apple has been unusually open about sharing some of its robotics research during the early POC stage — possibly to attract talent," he added.
Kuo cautioned that Apple is still very early in the product development cycle. The proof-of-concept stage is a "testing ground" used to determine whether core technologies and product ideas are viable before proceeding.
Apple's rumored foldable iPhone is also in the proof-of-concept stage, he said.
"However, many projects never progress beyond POC — the Apple Car is probably the most notable example of a project that got stuck at this stage," Kuo said.
Apple Stock In Consolidation Pattern
On the stock market today, Apple stock rose 1.8% to close at 236.87.
Apple stock is in a seven-week consolidation pattern with an official buy point of 260.10, according to IBD MarketSurge charts. That buy point is also the stock's all-time high, reached on Dec. 26.
However, IBD analysis indicates that Apple stock could reach an early-entry buy point around 240 if it moves above its 50-day moving average line. Also, its Jan. 31 high of 247.19 could offer an alternative entry.
To keep abreast of possible early-entry buy points, read IBD's Stock Market Today reports and watch IBD Live.
Apple isn't the only company interested in making humanoid robots. Automaker Tesla is developing a humanoid robot called Optimus. Startups in the market include Agility Robotics, Boston Dynamics, Figure AI and Unitree Robotics.
Meanwhile, artificial intelligence chipmaker Nvidia is promoting its processors and software tools for humanoid and other robot development.
Apple stock is on the IBD Tech Leaders list.
Follow Patrick Seitz on X, formerly Twitter, at @IBD_PSeitz for more stories on consumer technology, software and semiconductor stocks.
