Apple Reportedly Planning to Launch Smart Security Camera in 2026

Apple’s anticipated entry into the smart home market is taking shape, with reports suggesting the company will launch a smart security camera in 2026. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, known for his accurate predictions based on supply chain insights, revealed that Apple intends to produce over 10 million units annually. This smart home IP camera is designed to integrate seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem, connecting wirelessly with other Apple devices and benefiting from the company’s AI technologies and Siri voice assistant.

This move aligns with Apple’s strategic vision, especially as competitors Amazon and Google already have a strong foothold in the smart home camera market. Amazon’s Ring has introduced AI search capabilities, while Google’s Nest cameras are soon to feature generative AI enhancements through Gemini. With these advancements, smart cameras are evolving beyond security roles, providing broader contextual insights, such as identifying household members and predicting activities.

For Apple, security cameras are a logical focus, given their widespread household applications and the opportunity to deepen user reliance on its ecosystem. The camera could function best alongside other Apple devices like HomePod or Apple TV, which would support recording and live video streaming. The rumored Apple Smart Display could also play a vital role in this ecosystem, adding further functionality.

Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video (HKSV) service, which is part of the iCloud subscription, ensures recorded footage is securely stored and analyzed. Subscription plans for HKSV go up to $11 monthly, depending on the number of cameras supported. The service also necessitates an Apple Home Hub, such as HomePod or Apple TV, to process video footage and send alerts for people, vehicles, or packages. Presently, Apple Home integrates with third-party cameras for live streaming, but only select models, such as those from Aqara, Eve, and Logitech, are compatible with HKSV.

However, major competitors like Ring, Arlo, and Blink continue to use their own platforms for video storage and alerts. Notably, Belkin has developed exclusive devices, like the WeMo video doorbell, for Apple’s HomeKit. It remains unclear which type of camera Apple will prioritize first — whether an indoor model like Eve Cam, an indoor/outdoor variant like Logitech Circle View, an outdoor-specific design like Eve Floodlight Cam, or a video doorbell similar to the WeMo Smart Video Doorbell.

Apple’s delayed but now aggressive push into smart home hardware may seem surprising, especially since HomeKit’s original aim was to provide a comprehensive software framework for third-party products. Yet, the adoption rate of HomeKit-supported devices has remained relatively low. Apple’s participation in creating the Matter standard, which emphasizes security and has become the backbone of its smart home infrastructure, shows a renewed focus. As Matter prepares to introduce support for security cameras, the timing seems ideal for Apple’s new smart home device to emerge.