Apple's first dedicated smart home display, the HomeView, isn't even on shelves yet - it arrives next week starting at $299 - but the company is already reportedly planning a fancier version with a robotic arm. Because nothing says "premium home hub" like a screen that physically turns to watch you.

The rumored higher-end device, codenamed J595, may be branded HomeView Ultra and could be announced as early as next year, according to The Information. It's expected to cost up to $1,000 and feature a 9-inch display mounted on an articulated mechanical arm. Shipments are reportedly slated to start in 2028.

The arm isn't just for show. The screen would swivel to track users during FaceTime calls, keeping them on-screen. It could also enable proactive smart home automations - turning on devices or triggering a room scene when someone walks in. So your house can finally judge you in real time.

For context, the base HomeView is a 7-inch smart panel with a speaker that doubles as a stand, plus a wall-mounted option. That one actually exists - or will next week - for $299. The Ultra, meanwhile, is reportedly complete on the hardware side and has been for a couple of years. The delays? Software. Integrating advanced AI features and proactive automation has been a challenge for Apple, according to The Information.

A swiveling smart display isn't entirely new. Amazon used to sell an Echo Show 10 that tracked users to keep them in the camera's view during video calls - a model that has since been discontinued. But one that works within the Apple ecosystem could change how users interact with their home interfaces, given the popularity of FaceTime and the prevalence of iPhone users. Or it could just make them feel surveilled by a very expensive desk lamp.

The HomeView Ultra could even anticipate users' needs by tracking movements and automatically executing routines and scenes depending on where they are in the home. Whether most smart home users would welcome such technology - or find it too invasive - is an open question. But premium robotic smart displays suggest companies are standardizing interactive central hubs for the home, whether you asked for one or not.