Apple is reportedly developing a next-generation smart doorbell camera that could completely redefine how we secure and interact with our homes. According to a new report by Mark Gurman in his weekly Bloomberg newsletter, the device is expected to integrate Face ID technology, allowing homeowners to unlock their doors automatically when recognized by the system. This revolutionary smart doorbell is slated for potential release by late 2025, marking Apple’s ambitious entry into the home security market. The device would work similarly to Face ID on iPhones, with the doorbell automatically unlocking when it identifies registered faces of the homeowner or authorized residents.
This upcoming product, if successful, could eliminate the need for traditional keys or even keypads, offering an entirely seamless experience for homeowners. By utilizing the same facial recognition technology that Apple has perfected with its iPhones and iPads, users will be able to gain secure and instant access to their homes, simply by standing in front of the doorbell. Apple’s deep commitment to privacy and security could make this system even more attractive, as the company is known for integrating its technology in a way that protects user data.
In terms of security, the device is expected to feature Apple's Secure Enclave chip, a specialized hardware component used in Apple devices to store sensitive data, such as biometric information. This chip ensures that personal data, including facial recognition data, is processed and stored independently from the main system, adding an extra layer of privacy and security for users. This means that, unlike other systems, the data used to unlock the door will not be stored in the cloud but rather on the local device, thus mitigating potential privacy risks that come with cloud-based storage. This focus on privacy, paired with cutting-edge technology, could differentiate Apple’s smart doorbell from other products currently on the market.
Compatibility is also expected to be a major feature of this device. According to Gurman, the smart doorbell may be compatible with existing third-party HomeKit smart locks, allowing Apple users who already have a smart home ecosystem in place to easily incorporate the doorbell into their setup. Apple’s seamless integration with HomeKit has long been one of the company’s selling points in the smart home market. Additionally, Apple may also partner with smart lock manufacturers to create a fully integrated and exclusive solution, ensuring that customers can enjoy a complete, hassle-free smart home experience.
The doorbell is rumored to be powered by Apple’s Proxima chip, a hybrid Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology that is expected to be featured in next-generation products, such as HomePod Mini and Apple TV. This chip could help the smart doorbell maintain stable connectivity, enabling quick and reliable communication between the doorbell, locks, and other connected devices. The inclusion of the Proxima chip is expected to bolster the smart home network, enhancing its speed and efficiency, ensuring that homeowners can unlock doors instantly without lag.
This smart doorbell is just the beginning of Apple’s larger plan to expand its smart home ecosystem, an initiative that’s part of its broader vision for Apple Intelligence. Beyond the doorbell, Apple is reportedly working on an entirely new smart home hub with a 6-inch display. This hub would serve as a centralized control unit, where users could manage and monitor all of their connected smart devices. Some rumored features of the hub include the ability to make FaceTime calls, stream video content, and manage smart home lighting, temperature, and more, making it a versatile addition to any home. The hub is expected to make home management more intuitive and convenient, potentially becoming the centerpiece of a future Apple-powered smart home.
Additionally, Apple is said to be developing a smart security camera that would pair with the new hub. This camera is expected to offer privacy-first features, in line with Apple’s focus on user data protection. Like the doorbell, the security camera would likely integrate with Apple’s existing smart home ecosystem, allowing users to easily monitor their homes from the same interface that controls the doorbell and other devices. This camera is expected to offer high-definition video with the potential for features like motion detection and real-time alerts, offering homeowners an extra layer of security.
While the Face ID-equipped doorbell promises great convenience and innovation, it also raises some concerns. The most pressing issue is security: any malfunction or hack of the facial recognition system could potentially allow unauthorized access to the home. In an age where privacy breaches and security threats are becoming increasingly common, these risks must be addressed to ensure user safety. However, given Apple’s track record of protecting user privacy, the company is likely to implement advanced security protocols to ensure that the system remains safe and secure. The company’s commitment to privacy will likely continue to be a central aspect of the device's design, and Apple will likely continue to work closely with security experts to avoid any potential vulnerabilities.
The Face ID-equipped smart doorbell remains in the early stages of development, with its final design and features still being finalized. However, if it proves successful, this device could significantly change the way people interact with their homes, enhancing convenience, security, and privacy. The smart doorbell could become an essential part of Apple’s growing smart home ecosystem, offering users a seamless experience across a range of devices, from doorbells and locks to cameras and hubs. For existing Apple customers, this integration would be particularly appealing, as it would add even more value to their existing devices.
Apple’s vision for the smart home doesn’t stop at doorbells and hubs. Reports suggest that the company is also working on several other cutting-edge innovations, including an iPad-like smart display that can magnetically attach to walls or speaker bases. This display could allow users to access key features of their home automation system while maintaining a sleek and modern aesthetic. In addition, Apple is exploring the possibility of a display mounted on a robotic arm, which could offer dynamic positioning, ensuring that users can position the screen exactly where they need it, adding even more flexibility to the system.
These ambitious plans show that Apple is committed to expanding its smart home lineup, creating a more intuitive, interconnected, and user-friendly environment for customers. By focusing on privacy, security, and ease of use, Apple aims to make the smart home experience more convenient and effective for users, all while staying true to its commitment to protecting user data. If these innovations come to fruition, they could shape the future of the smart home and further cement Apple’s role as a leader in privacy-focused, intuitive technology.
