As Apple seeks to establish a stronger foothold in the connected-home market, it works on an ambitious lineup of home security devices that include smart cameras and a facial-recognition doorbell that can unlock doors, according to new report Wednesday.
New Apple home-security devices figure into broader AI comeback
The centerpiece of Apple’s security push is a battery-powered camera codenamed J450, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman reported. It’s designed to compete directly with Amazon’s Ring, Google Nest and other established players in the home security space. The iPhone giant plans for the device to run for several months to a year on a single charge, matching the performance of existing rival products. But that camera may just be the beginning of a new lineup that could interact with Apple’s planned device-based home hub(s).
Advanced automation capabilities
What may help set Apple’s approach apart is the integration of sophisticated sensors and automation features. The camera system incorporates facial recognition technology and infrared sensors that can identify specific individuals in a room, enabling personalized home automation responses.
This means the cameras could automatically turn off lights when someone leaves a room or play a particular family member’s preferred music when they enter a space. Apple envisions users deploying multiple cameras throughout their homes, similar to how many customers have placed HomePod mini speakers in different rooms.
The facial recognition capabilities extend beyond the cameras themselves. Apple has also tested a smart doorbell that can use face detection to automatically unlock doors. That creates a seamless entry experience for recognized family members and guests.
Expanding the ecosystem
The new security products make up part of Apple’s broader strategy to render its product ecosystem more compelling and “stickier” for consumers, according to Bloomberg. The devices will integrate with the existing HomeKit platform and work alongside other Apple products. That could include the rumored HomePod with a display or iPad that could serve as a central home hub.
Apple already offers iCloud+ subscriptions with secure cloud storage for security camera footage, though these services currently support third-party cameras. The new first-party devices would likely enhance this offering while providing tighter integration with Apple’s privacy and security standards.
Market competition
By entering the home security market, Apple takes aim at well-established competitors including Amazon’s Ring division, Google’s Nest products and companies like Aqara, Eufy, Vivint and SimpliSafe. The Cupertino tech giant may bet its reputation for privacy, design and ecosystem integration will help differentiate its offerings in this competitive space.
No official timeline on the new home security products exists yet. But the security cameras could potentially launch alongside or after the anticipated smart home hub device expected in 2026. That would give Apple a comprehensive smart home product lineup to compete with other tech giants and specialized security companies.
