04:29 PM EDT, 04/03/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Apple ( AAPL ) is exploring personal robotics as a potential "next big thing," Bloomberg reported Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Apple ( AAPL ) engineers are working on a mobile robot that can follow its users, and a tabletop device that uses robotics to move a display, Bloomberg said, adding that these projects are in early stages. Apple ( AAPL ) is facing pressure to diversify revenue streams after its scrapped electric vehicle project.

Apple's ( AAPL ) robotics efforts involve its hardware engineering and AI divisions, under the leadership of John Giannandrea, but Apple ( AAPL ) has yet to fully commit to either project, the report said.

Apple ( AAPL ) is debating whether consumers would pay for a premium-priced robotic device. The project is facing technical challenges too. Company executives also have internal disagreements on its future development, sources told Bloomberg.

A spokeswoman for Apple ( AAPL ) declined Bloomberg's request for comment.

Apple ( AAPL ) didn't immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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