Apple Plans to Launch HomeKit-Enabled Smart Camera by 2026

Apple is reportedly planning to launch its first HomeKit-enabled smart home camera in 2026, according to well-known supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. This device is expected to integrate closely with a new HomePod featuring a display, creating a seamless smart home experience designed entirely by Apple.

The new camera is anticipated to be an optional accessory, complementing the rumored HomePod with a display that acts as a hub for smart home control. The HomeKit camera would expand Apple’s portfolio of privacy-focused smart home devices, leveraging HomeKit Secure Video for encrypted video storage and streaming via iCloud. HomeKit Secure Video already supports cameras like the Logitech Circle View and Eve Cam, but Apple’s own camera may offer unique features not currently available with third-party products.

The HomePod with a display is expected to begin mass production in the second half of 2025. It will reportedly feature a 6-7 inch screen, an A18 chip, and Apple Intelligence integration. While no official release timeline has been confirmed, it aligns with other reports, such as Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who has suggested a similar smart home hub could launch as early as March 2025. Gurman noted the hub may support wall mounting or include a speaker base similar to existing HomePods.

Apple’s entry into the smart home camera market would align with its commitment to user privacy and security, a key differentiator from competitors. As anticipation builds for Apple’s upcoming smart home innovations, the company’s focus on integrated and secure solutions may set a new standard in the industry.