Apple is working on its own HomeKit security camera with Face ID recognition, infrared sensors, and HomeKit Secure Video. The launch is expected in late 2026 – along with other smart home products.
With the Apple Security Camera, Apple is entering a completely new product category. The camera is designed to be seamlessly integrated into the Home app, distinguish between multiple users via facial recognition, and boast a battery life of several months. According to current reports, the launch is expected no earlier than the end of 2026 and could coincide with the release of the HomePad and other smart home products.
Apple's smart home strategy is gaining significant momentum in 2026. In addition to the HomePad as a new product category and updates for the HomePod 3 and HomePod mini 2, Apple is also planning its own security camera, according to Bloomberg – Apple's first device of this kind. The goal: to offer a privacy-friendly alternative in the battle against Amazon (Ring), Google (Nest), and Arlo, one that is deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem.
The camera thus remains one of the most exciting unconfirmed smart home products, expected no earlier than the end of 2026.
The most important points in brief
| Detail | Expectation |
|---|---|
| Release | End of 2026 (earliest possible) |
| Category | Apple's first HomeKit security camera |
| Facial recognition | Yes, multiple users |
| Sensors | Infrared, motion, audio (alarm detection) |
| Battery | Duration: Several months to one year |
| Integration | Home app, HomeKit Secure Video |
| Price | Not yet known |
Apple's first HomeKit camera
As Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports, Apple is developing a ring-like security camera that will be integrated directly into the Home app. The camera is intended not only for surveillance but also for recognizing people and capturing motion for home automation.
Possible scenarios, according to Bloomberg, include automatically turning off lights when a room is empty or starting a family member's music as soon as they enter a room. Apple believes users will distribute multiple cameras throughout their homes to utilize these automations.
Facial recognition and infrared sensors
A key feature of the camera, according to reports, is Face ID and infrared sensors. This would allow the camera to recognize who is in a room. This technology would perfectly complement the HomePad, which is also expected to have a TrueDepth camera with multi-user facial recognition.
This would clearly differentiate Apple from its competitors: Ring and Nest also offer facial recognition, but Apple's approach promises significantly more data protection through local processing and end-to-end encryption.
Audio monitoring and HomeKit Secure Video
Similar to the HomePods, the camera will also monitor ambient noise and detect alarm sounds such as smoke detectors or sirens, according to Macworld. The user will be notified immediately if an alarm is detected.
Integration with HomeKit Secure Video is also mandatory. This feature encrypts video recordings end-to-end in iCloud and is currently dependent on the iCloud+ subscription – 50 GB allows one camera, 200 GB up to five, and the 2 TB subscription supports an unlimited number of cameras.
Battery with a runtime of several months
According to Bloomberg, one of the most exciting technical details is that the camera is said to have a battery that lasts from several months to a year. This would mean Apple's camera could be used without a fixed power connection – a clear advantage over many competing products that require regular charging or wired operation.
Release no earlier than the end of 2026
Since the first Bloomberg reports in 2024, the Apple Security Camera has consistently been expected for late 2026 or later. According to current information, it is expected to launch alongside the HomePad – Apple's central smart home hub that displays camera feeds and controls home automations. The two products are closely related, making a joint launch likely.
According to Bloomberg, Apple is also planning a Face ID doorbell as a standalone product that communicates wirelessly with a compatible smart door lock. This could be released as early as 2027 and further expand Apple's smart home strategy.
Who is the Apple Security Camera intended for?
The camera is aimed at Apple users who want to keep their smart home entirely within the Apple ecosystem. Those already using HomeKit, planning to purchase a HomePad, and who value data privacy will find Apple's own camera offers the most seamless integration.
Those currently using a third-party HomeKit camera (Logitech, Eve) can wait for now – existing cameras will continue to work. However, Apple's own camera is expected to offer deeper automation, improved facial recognition, and exclusive features that third-party providers won't get.
The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Frame Stock Footage)
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