Apple (AAPL) Stock: Wall Street Predicts $133 Billion Robot Business by 2040
TLDR
- Morgan Stanley predicts Apple could earn $133 billion yearly from humanoid robots by 2040 with 9% market share
- Apple is developing a tabletop robot with an iPad-style display expected to launch around 2027
- Investment bank forecasts 415,000 US households will buy humanoid robots annually by 2040 at $30,000 each
- Apple’s $130 billion cash reserves and 2.3 billion device ecosystem provide strong market position
- Technologies from Apple’s canceled car project are now being used in its robotics division
Morgan Stanley analysts believe Apple’s next big business could be humanoid robots. The investment bank released a research report projecting the iPhone maker could generate $133 billion in annual robotics revenue by 2040.
The forecast assumes Apple captures 9% of the robotics market within 15 years. Erik Woodring, the Morgan Stanley analyst covering Apple, says few investors currently recognize this opportunity.
Apple is reportedly developing a tabletop robotic device featuring an iPad-like display. The robot can rotate toward users when they speak. Bloomberg reports the company could release this product as early as 2027.
Market Size and Pricing Projections
The analysts project 415,000 American households will purchase humanoid robots annually by 2040. That represents 1.65% of US homes owning these machines.
Total cumulative adoption would reach 1.6 million units across the country. Morgan Stanley estimates each robot will cost approximately $30,000.
Woodring notes prices should decrease over time. But the current projection equals the cost of a small used car.
The robotics opportunity represents 30% of Apple’s current total revenue. In an optimistic scenario, the business could reach $300 billion by 2040.
Apple’s Competitive Advantages
Apple brings several strengths to the robotics market. The company has $130 billion in cash and cash equivalents. It operates an ecosystem of 2.3 billion active devices worldwide.
The tech giant’s canceled self-driving car initiative provides another edge. Project Titan’s research and technology now support Apple’s Robotics unit. Apple invested one billion dollars through Softbank nearly ten years ago in related fields.
Apple’s expertise spans hardware, software, and semiconductor design. The company manufactures products at massive scale. Its devices collect visual data across 1.4 billion iPhones globally.
Morgan Stanley identified key signals that would indicate serious robotics commitment. These include successful Apple Intelligence expansion and hiring more AI engineers.
Increased patent filings and enhanced data collection capabilities would also signal progress. Partnerships or acquisitions of robotics companies represent another indicator.
Industry Competition Heats Up
Other tech companies are pursuing robotics aggressively. Foxconn plans humanoid robot deployment at its Nvidia AI server facility in Houston.
Amazon deployed its one millionth robot to a Japanese fulfillment center in June. The company tests Agility Robotics’ Digit robot in warehouses and is experimenting with delivery robots.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang calls robotics a multitrillion-dollar market. The chip maker sells Isaac Gr00t models and Jetson AGX Thor computers for robot development.
Tesla develops its Optimus humanoid robot line. CEO Elon Musk stated 80% of Tesla’s value will come from robots.
Technical challenges remain for household robots. Computer vision must improve to avoid people, pets, and furniture. Robots need better manipulation skills for handling fragile items like glassware.
Current robots move slowly and work best with fixed tasks. They aren’t yet practical for quick household chores.
Apple’s first robot products could arrive in 2027 according to Morgan Stanley. The tabletop device represents the most likely initial market entry.