Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported today that Apple is set to enter the smart home camera market in 2026, marking its first direct competition against third-party HomeKit-enabled cameras like the Eve Indoor Cam.
The company aims for significant market impact, with a goal of achieving annual shipments in the tens of millions.
This indicates Apple’s intentions to establish the camera as a prominent addition to its product lineup. Kuo notes that the appeal of Apple’s camera will be its deep integration with Siri and Apple Intelligence features.
Rumors have been circulating for some time about Apple’s plans for a more serious approach to the smart home sector, including hints at the company’s potential development of its own smart home accessories.
However, what specific advantages Apple might bring with a first-party camera remains uncertain.
Apple already offers robust integration with third-party cameras via the Home app, so the unique selling point for Apple’s own camera is still in question.
One possibility is that a powerful Apple silicon chip within the device could enable advanced Apple Intelligence features beyond what other smart cameras can currently provide.
Apple’s first significant move into the smart home space will be the launch of a new smart display device, expected to go on sale sometime next year.
This device is anticipated to combine the audio capabilities of a HomePod with a small, squarish touchscreen, providing a visual interface.
Designed to compete with products like Amazon’s Echo Show, Apple’s smart display will likely target kitchen settings, where it could assist with tasks such as displaying timers and recipes.
Following this initial foray, Apple is reportedly developing a more sophisticated display device, expected to release a few years later.
This advanced model will feature an articulated robotic arm that allows the screen to tilt and pan, enabling it to follow the user around the room.
