Apple to Enter Smart Home Camera Market by 2026

Apple is preparing to enter the smart home camera market in 2026, a move that will see the tech giant competing directly with third-party HomeKit cameras like the Eve Indoor Cam. According to renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple anticipates the camera’s annual shipments to reach tens of millions, highlighting its intention to make this a prominent addition to its product lineup. The camera is expected to integrate deeply with Siri and leverage Apple’s advanced intelligence features.

Rumors of Apple’s ambitions in the smart home space have circulated for some time, suggesting that the company aims to go beyond partnerships with accessory makers and build its own hardware. However, details on what unique capabilities Apple’s camera could bring remain speculative. It’s possible that the inclusion of an Apple silicon chip could deliver features that set it apart from other HomeKit-compatible devices on the market.

Apple’s first significant foray into the smart home arena will debut next year with a new smart display device. This product, featuring a HomePod-like speaker combined with a small square touchscreen, is expected to function similarly to the Amazon Echo Show, focusing on kitchen utility for displaying timers, recipes, and other essential information. Later developments are rumored to include a more advanced display mounted on a robotic arm, enabling it to track users around the room, enhancing hands-free functionality.

With these initiatives, Apple aims to establish a robust presence in the smart home ecosystem, leveraging its proprietary technology and ecosystem integration to offer unique user experiences.