Apple’s push for smart home devices might include a smart doorbell.
According to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, Apple is working on a doorbell with facial recognition technology that would wirelessly connect to a deadbolt lock and unlock the door for its residents, like Face ID for iPhone.
Reports of a smart doorbell comes after Apple’s rumored plans to launch a smart home hub and security camera to compete with Amazon Ring and Google Nest. After cancelling its plans for developing some kind of car, and the lukewarm response to Apple Vision Pro, Gurman says Apple is refocusing its efforts on smart home devices that integrate with its existing product ecosystem.
The company reportedly believes its advantage in the well-established market is Apple’s commitment to privacy, so users might trust their devices over devices like Ring, which has had some controversial privacy breaches in the past. Apple’s smart home devices might store its data in iCloud which have the added benefit of boosting revenue with data storage subscriptions.
For the smart doorbell, Apple might make it compatible with third party locking systems with its preexisting Apple HomeKit support, or partner with a specific smart lock manufacturer.
Apple is reportedly already deep into the development stages of its smart doorbell, but wouldn’t launch it until after the smart home hub, which isn’t expected until 2026.