Apple is developing a smart doorbell that will incorporate its Face ID technology as part of an expansion into the smart home market. The device, currently in early development stages, is not expected to reach consumers before late 2025, with some analysts projecting a 2026 launch at the earliest. The initiative marks Apple’s first major entry into the smart doorbell category, building on the company’s extensive experience with facial recognition technology first introduced with the iPhone X in 2017.
The smart doorbell will use Face ID technology to scan faces as people approach the door and communicate wirelessly with compatible deadbolt locks for automatic entry. While the system is expected to work with third-party HomeKit locks, Apple may also pursue partnerships with specific lock manufacturers to create integrated solutions. The approach follows similar implementations from competitors like Google’s Nest Hello, which already offers facial recognition capabilities in smart doorbells.
Technical specifications include Apple’s upcoming Wi-Fi chip with Secure Enclave for data protection, building on the same security architecture that protects biometric data in iPhones and iPads. The device is also expected to feature video recording capabilities integrated with HomeKit Secure Video, enabling end-to-end encrypted footage storage in iCloud. The security-first approach addresses privacy concerns that have plagued other smart doorbell platforms, particularly regarding law enforcement access to footage.
The development is part of Apple’s broader strategy to enhance its smart home offerings. The company is simultaneously working on other home automation products, including a wall-mounted smart home control device with speaker functionality. Updates to existing products like the Apple TV and HomePod Mini are anticipated next year. The expansion comes as the home security market is expected to reach $81 billion, driven largely by smart lock adoption.
In the competitive landscape, Apple’s smart doorbell will enter a market currently dominated by Amazon’s Ring doorbells, which have faced scrutiny over their partnerships with law enforcement agencies. The company may choose to release the product under its own brand or collaborate with established partners such as Belkin or Logitech for market distribution. Apple’s emphasis on privacy and security features, including local processing of Face ID data and encrypted video storage, could differentiate its offering in an increasingly crowded market.
Sources: TechCrunch, MacRumors, FoneArena, 9to5Mac, Business Insider
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