Apple Plans Smart Home Camera Release with HomePod Integration in 2026

Apple is reportedly gearing up to launch its own HomeKit-enabled wireless smart home camera in 2026, according to renowned supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The upcoming camera is expected to be closely integrated with a new HomePod featuring a display, offering users an Apple-designed home security solution for the first time.

This smart home camera will likely serve as an optional accessory to the HomePod hub, which itself is slated for mass production in the latter half of 2025. The HomePod with display is anticipated to include a 6-7 inch screen, an A18 chip, and support for Apple Intelligence.

Apple’s focus on privacy and security is expected to be a key selling point for the camera. Leveraging HomeKit Secure Video, the camera will integrate seamlessly with Apple’s Home app, enabling secure video streaming and storage with end-to-end encryption via iCloud. While existing HomeKit Secure Video cameras like the Logitech Circle View and Eve Cam already offer strong security features, Apple’s version may include exclusive enhancements, though specific details remain under wraps.

Industry speculation suggests a possible overlap between this product and a rumored Apple smart home hub described by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Gurman’s report mentioned a device featuring a six-inch display capable of being wall-mounted or attached to a HomePod-like base. If these two devices are indeed the same, a release timeline of 2025 may be optimistic, potentially aligning more closely with Kuo’s 2026 prediction.

In parallel, Apple continues to innovate across its product ecosystem. Reports indicate the forthcoming launch of a “homeOS” operating system with widget-based customization for smart home devices, further signaling the company’s commitment to reshaping the smart home experience.

This move aligns with Apple’s broader strategy of integrating its hardware and software into cohesive, privacy-focused solutions, a hallmark that differentiates the company from its competitors in the smart home market.