Apple Reportedly Launching Smart Home Camera in 2026

Apple is reportedly gearing up to launch its first in-house HomeKit-enabled wireless smart home camera by 2026, according to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. This move would mark Apple’s entry into the home security market, complementing its existing HomeKit Secure Video ecosystem. The camera is expected to integrate seamlessly with a new HomePod model featuring a display, providing users with a robust Apple-designed home security solution.

The anticipated smart camera will likely emphasize privacy and security, key differentiators for Apple in a crowded market. Current HomeKit Secure Video technology already offers end-to-end encrypted video streaming and storage through iCloud, managed via the Home app on Apple devices. Examples of compatible cameras include the Logitech Circle View and Eve Cam. However, Apple’s own camera may include unique features beyond what third-party options offer.

Kuo forecasts that the HomePod with a display, potentially the hub for this new camera, will enter mass production in late 2025. This device is rumored to include a 6-7 inch display, an A18 chip, and support for Apple Intelligence, further expanding its utility in smart home settings.

Speculation continues about whether this device aligns with another rumored Apple smart home hub described by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Gurman suggests a March 2025 launch for a HomePod-like hub featuring a six-inch display, mountable or paired with a speaker base. Both sources highlight similar specifications, hinting that these may be the same product under development, with a potential release delay.

This development underscores Apple’s strategy to strengthen its position in the smart home sector by offering integrated, secure solutions tailored to its ecosystem.