Apple Expected to Enter the Smart Home Camera Market by 2026

Apple, known for its industry-leading smartphone cameras, is reportedly venturing into the smart home camera market. Unlike traditional cameras, this new project, projected to launch in 2026, focuses on enhancing home automation. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is preparing for mass production of a smart home IP camera, intended to integrate seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem and wireless connectivity.

Ming-Chi Kuo highlighted that global shipments of smart home IP cameras currently reach around 30 to 40 million units per year. Apple aims to capture a significant share of this market, with a long-term goal of achieving over 10 million annual shipments in this segment. This strategic expansion aligns with Apple’s efforts to explore new growth opportunities within the home market, leveraging its ecosystem, Siri integration, and Apple Intelligence to elevate user experience.

Reports indicate that the Apple smart home camera will likely integrate with HomeKit and be controllable through iPhones and other Apple devices. Additionally, Apple is rumored to be developing a smart home display—a wall-mountable, 6-inch device expected to function as a hub for home automation, resembling a traditional security panel. The display, anticipated to be around the size of two iPhones placed side by side with a thick bezel, may include features like cameras, a rechargeable battery, and speakers, with accessories for varied placement options.

This display is expected to run on a specialized software that combines elements of iPhone standby mode and watchOS, complete with Siri and Apple Intelligence features. Together, the smart home IP camera and smart display represent Apple’s growing ecosystem in the home automation market, potentially transforming how users interact with their smart devices and home security.