Apple Set to Launch Smart Home Camera by 2026, Says Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo

Apple is reportedly gearing up to introduce its own smart home camera by 2026, as revealed by renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. This move marks the tech giant’s foray into the smart home sector with a first-party device aimed at expanding its current HomeKit ecosystem. While Apple has long supported third-party smart home cameras via HomeKit, it has yet to release its own branded product in this category. This upcoming camera could position Apple as a competitor to existing products from companies like Amazon and Google.

The new device is expected to integrate Apple Intelligence and its voice assistant, Siri, making it more than just a standard home surveillance tool. This integration will enable users to leverage advanced AI features for better automation and control within their smart home setups. It will also align with Apple’s rumored new operating system, homeOS, which is designed to unify its smart home devices under a single platform.

Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that Apple’s smart home camera will become a significant addition to its hardware lineup, likely to ship tens of millions of units annually starting in 2026. Although specific details remain under wraps, industry insiders anticipate this device to leverage Apple’s latest technology found in its newer chips, such as the A17 Pro and the M-series processors, to support AI functionalities.

In addition to the smart camera, Apple is reportedly working on other smart home devices, including a HomePod with a built-in display and a separate smart display device mounted on a robotic arm. These products are expected to further solidify Apple’s presence in the smart home market.

Currently, Apple trails behind its competitors like Amazon and Google, who have successfully introduced popular smart home products like the Echo and Nest series. However, the introduction of Apple’s own smart camera and other rumored devices could change the landscape, allowing Cupertino to catch up in this rapidly growing sector.

With the potential launch of its smart home camera, Apple aims to bring a new level of integration and control to users’ homes. This new device, combined with homeOS and its AI-powered systems, may set the stage for Apple’s expanded push into smart home technology, making it a major player in this space by the end of the decade.