Apple may launch an AI-powered smart home camera by 2026

The smart home market continues to evolve as major tech companies vie for dominance in connected home devices, with Apple now planning to expand its hardware offerings beyond speakers and displays.

Strategic expansion plans: Apple is reportedly preparing to enter the smart home camera market in 2026, marking its first direct competition with third-party HomeKit camera manufacturers.

• Ming-Chi Kuo, a prominent Apple analyst, indicates the company aims to achieve annual shipments in the tens of millions for its IP camera
• The device will feature deep integration with Siri and Apple Intelligence features
• This move represents Apple’s first venture into first-party smart home cameras, competing with existing HomeKit-compatible products like the Eve Indoor Cam

Technical capabilities and differentiation: Apple’s camera strategy appears to focus on leveraging its proprietary technology and ecosystem advantages.

• The device may incorporate custom Apple silicon chips to enable enhanced AI features not available to third-party manufacturers
• Integration with the Home app and other Apple services is expected to be a key selling point
• Questions remain about what unique functionality Apple can offer beyond current HomeKit integration capabilities

Broader smart home roadmap: Apple’s camera initiative is part of a larger strategy to expand its presence in the smart home market.

• A new smart display combining HomePod-like speaker capabilities with a squarish touchscreen is expected to launch in 2025
• The smart display will target kitchen use cases, offering features like timer management and recipe display, positioning it as a competitor to Amazon’s Echo Show
• A more advanced display mounted on an articulated robotic arm is reportedly in development for release after the initial smart display launch

Market implications: Apple’s entry into the smart home camera segment signals a shift in the company’s hardware strategy and could reshape the competitive landscape.

• The ambitious shipment targets suggest Apple sees significant market potential for its smart home accessories
• Existing HomeKit camera manufacturers may face increased pressure as Apple becomes both a platform provider and direct competitor
• The combination of hardware and AI capabilities could help Apple establish a stronger foothold in the growing smart home market, where it has traditionally played a more limited role compared to competitors like Amazon and Google