Scan our recommendations for the best security cameras and you'll notice something's missing: Not a lot of them work with Apple, Apple HomeKit or Siri. Apple does sell some smart home cams that play well with their platform, but there aren't many and they tend to be older, clunkier models. Now reports are saying that's going to change in a huge way with Apple releasing its own security camera by 2026.Â
If these rumors are true, we've been brainstorming ideas about what that Apple Camera will do, including AI capabilities, smart home support and compatibility with future Apple products. Let's take a look at what we've decided.
Our predictions for an Apple security cam
What could an Apple friendly security cam look like? Expect it to pack in a lot of Apple Intelligence, for one.
If these rumors are right, we're still a year or two ahead of getting a good look at Apple's cam. Based on their current HomeKit and AI decisions, there are a lot of things we can infer. Here's what we think an Apple home camera would include:
- Matter support: Apple is one of the primary parents of the Matter protocol, which improves smart home security and offers more compatibility across Amazon, Apple and Google, among many other things. Matter has been supposed to extend support to home security cameras ever since the 1.2 update, but it keeps getting delayed. 2026 should be the perfect time for Matter to support video and for brands to have enough time to adopt it for their cameras. Expect this to be a priority for Apple.
- A high resolution: The cams Apple currently recommends on its storefront are stuck at 1080p resolution, which is far from high-end for home cams, many of which are now available at 2K and 4K resolutions to capture a lot more detail. We expect Apple to aim for the top of the home security market and release and cam with particularly high resolution, most likely up to 4K (but with downloads adjustable based on how much space you want to save).
- Indoor/outdoor compatibility: Along with that high resolution, look for Apple to follow in the footsteps of Nest and Amazon brand Ring by offering a camera that has both indoor and outdoor functionality, with enough weather resistance that outdoor use won't be a problem. That also means it's likely to be a wireless, battery-powered model.
- Apple Intelligence features: Apple Intelligence will have plenty of time to develop by a 2026 release, and we expect it will be fully incorporated into all aspects of an Apple camera. Expect smart alerts that autocustomize based on your habits, and recognition capabilities for noticing a wide variety of specific objects. By this time, it's likely Siri will also be able to hold a full conversation from your security even if you're not around to talk.
- More facial recognition: Apple has dabbled in face recognition before with HomeKit Secure Video, but those efforts didn't go anywhere. Now, with facial recognition quickly becoming the standard for home cameras and Apple Intelligence well on way, you can bet Apple will include the ability to recognize faces, probably faces already stored in your photos app and Apple Contacts app, perhaps even linked with genmojis or other original AI content associated with those people.
HomePods can also act as smart home hubs, but future Apple smart displays may have more interesting options.
- No extra hub: Many security cams offer additional Wi-Fi hubs to add more functionality, including local storage, more security and even HomeKit support. Apple won't. Instead, it will take the same approach it's already taken with smart devices and use another Apple device as an automatic hub. That's likely to include iPads, Apple TVs and HomePods (whatever form those may take by 2026).
- All subscriptions through iCloud: A no-brainer, Apple is likely to use a subscription model for more advanced features, and offer that subscription through iCloud as it's done before. Those already paying for additional iCloud space are likely to get features for free. HKSV costs started low, around $3, but we expect a 2026 cam will have a somewhat higher subscription fee.
- Interchangeable screen viewing: Apple loves sharing content seamlessly across devices, so we're fairly certain an Apple cam will have the ability to easily swap video feeds between iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV and more. That "more" could also include an Apple smart display, a branching out of the HomePod that seems particularly likely.
- A video doorbell option: We don't know much about the design of an Apple security camera, because Apple hasn't made anything like this before. Making it a video doorbell seems like an obvious choice. They appeal to a wide range of people, demand is currently very high and they're an excellent option for using advanced intelligence features like Siri conversations or facial recognition.
So, should you wait for the Apple security camera?
The Apple HomePod Mini is a great gateway to starting a smart home for those in the Apple ecosystem as it gives access to Siri and is a Thread border router.
We wouldn't wait until 2026 to get a security camera, even if you're a diehard Apple user. That's too much time if you want eyes on your home or apartment, including benefits like package detection and other smart alerts.
Instead, we suggest dodging the wait and picking up the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell with the Arlo Pro Smarthub, which adds Apple Home/Siri compatibility for under $150 in all. Then you can wait and see what Apple's own camera looks like when it arrives.
For more information, check out what to expect from Apple Intelligence on your iPhone in the coming months, our favorite new iPhones and the best outdoor security cameras available.