Apple is reportedly developing a smart doorbell system that incorporates Face ID technology, marking the company’s significant expansion into the home security and access control market. The initiative builds on Apple’s established expertise in facial recognition technology, which has been a cornerstone of iPhone security since its introduction with the iPhone X in 2017.
The planned doorbell system will use facial recognition technology similar to that found in iPhones, employing advanced cameras and sensors to authenticate users by comparing their faces to stored biometric data. When a match is confirmed, the system can automatically trigger compatible smart locks to grant access. The development extends Apple’s existing security infrastructure, which has previously focused on mobile devices and digital payments.
Security and privacy features include Apple’s Secure Enclave chip for protected biometric data processing, building on the same technology that safeguards Face ID data in iPhones and iPads. The integration with HomeKit Secure Video will provide encrypted video storage in iCloud, addressing growing privacy concerns in the smart home sector. The device will process Face ID-related images locally using Apple’s Proxima wireless networking chip, maintaining the company’s commitment to on-device processing for sensitive biometric data.
The system will integrate with Apple’s broader smart home ecosystem, enabling cross-device notifications and alerts through the HomeKit platform. While designed to work with third-party HomeKit locks, similar to existing partnerships with manufacturers like August and Yale, reports suggest Apple may develop its own compatible smart lock to provide a more integrated security solution.
According to Apple analyst Mark Gurman, whose previous predictions about Apple’s biometric developments have proven accurate, the device is currently in early development stages. While initial projections suggest a late 2025 release, some sources indicate the launch could be delayed until 2026.
When released, the Face ID doorbell will enter a market currently dominated by Amazon’s Ring and Google’s Nest products, neither of which currently offer facial recognition capabilities in the U.S. due to privacy concerns. The device represents Apple’s most ambitious expansion in the smart home sector, where the company has historically maintained a limited presence compared to its competitors. The launch could significantly reshape the home security market by bringing enterprise-grade biometric authentication to residential applications.
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