In a move that could shake up the smart home market, Apple is reportedly developing its own smart home camera slated for release in 2026. This information comes from renowned supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, known for his accurate predictions about Apple's product pipeline.
According to Kuo, the Cupertino-based tech giant aims to seamlessly integrate this new "smart home IP camera" with its existing ecosystem of devices. This strategic move could potentially give Apple a significant edge over competitors like Google Nest, Amazon Ring, and Anker Eufy.
Apple's ambitious goal is to capture a substantial market share, targeting annual sales of over 10 million units. This figure represents about a third of the current smart home camera market, which sees between 30 to 40 million units sold annually.
The company's vast iPhone user base—nearly 235 million units sold each year—could provide a ready market for this new product. Apple could leverage this advantage by deeply integrating camera features into iOS, offering a more cohesive user experience than its competitors.
In line with Apple's recent focus on artificial intelligence, the smart home camera is expected to incorporate advanced AI features. This aligns with the company's broader strategy of infusing AI capabilities across its product line, dubbed "Apple Intelligence."
While specific features remain under wraps, industry experts speculate that the camera could utilize opt-in voice commands and gesture recognition to trigger AI-powered actions. However, true to Apple's ethos, the company is likely to emphasize privacy and security as key selling points.
The development of this smart home camera may be part of a larger initiative by Apple to expand its presence in the smart home market. This move comes in the wake of Apple abandoning its long-standing car project, with the company reportedly redirecting investments towards smart home technology and AI.
As for the product's name, Apple enthusiasts are already speculating. With the "iSight" moniker previously used for Apple's webcams, the tech community is eager to see what clever branding Apple will choose for its foray into the smart home camera market.
While 2026 may seem distant, this timeline aligns with the expected wider adoption of Matter-enabled cameras, suggesting Apple is strategically timing its entry into this competitive market.
As always with such reports, it's important to note that Apple's plans may change. However, if this information proves accurate, it signals an exciting new direction for Apple and potentially a significant shift in the smart home landscape.