Apple is poised to introduce a smart home camera by 2026 for use with a dedicated smart display

The market is buzzing with rumors that Apple is developing a smart home display, a novel approach distinct from using an iPad as the home hub. This smart home display will operate on a dedicated operating system, homeOS.

Renowned analyst from TF International Securities, Ming-Chi Kuo, recently reported that Apple might also enter the smart home camera sector by launching its own brand of home cameras.

According to the report, Apple's smart home camera is expected to enter mass production in 2026, with an anticipated annual shipment of ten million units. The supplier is GoerTek, a long-term partner of Apple.

These initiatives by Apple indicate its commitment to aggressively tap into the smart home market. Leveraging its existing ecosystem and the deep integration of Apple Intelligence and Siri could significantly enhance user experience.

Currently, Apple's Home app can integrate with third-party devices in certain ways, including Apple-certified third-party products or through the open-source software HomeAssistant, among others.

For instance, Lanpoint.com currently integrates a mid-range camera from a certain brand into the Synology Surveillance Station suite via a Synology server, and deploys HomeAssistant through Docker. This setup allows the camera to be accessed and its feed viewed on an iPhone through the Home app.

These integration methods might be cumbersome for most non-professional users. Therefore, purchasing an Apple-certified third-party camera would simplify the process considerably. If Apple subsequently launches a smart home display, the camera feed and other content could be directly displayed, eliminating the need for third-party software and complex settings. Additionally, the seamless experience offered by the Apple ecosystem could make these products highly appealing to consumers.