HomeKit Smart doorbell with Face ID expected by 2026

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AppleInsiderAppleInsider
Posted:
in General Discussion edited December 2024

Apple's push into smart home tech could see it take on Ring with a smart doorbell equipped with Face ID, one which could unlock the door by recognizing the visitor's face.

A person holds a black video doorbell; colorful books and a circular charger are visible in the background.
Logitech Circle View HomeKit smart doorbell



Reports about Apple's smart home plans have involved displays on robotic arms and the alleged development of a camera. That latter part may not just be for typical video-based security, as it could end up offering more functionality.



In Sunday's "Power On" newsletter, Bloomberg reports Apple is also working on a smart doorbell. It is believed to have an advanced facial recognition system, so it could detect the identity of whomever is on the doorstep.

If a resident or someone permitted into the home is detected by the system, similar to Face ID in concept, the camera could automatically set a smart lock to unlock, granting them access.

It is expected that such a system will work with many existing third-party smart lock systems on the market that already support HomeKit. It's also possible that Apple could work with one lock manufacturer to offer an official Apple-approved system.

However, there is a chance that Apple may not actually ship the camera itself either. It is proposed that Apple could end up selling the technology via a third-party manufacturer, such as Logitech or Belkin, who already have extensive backgrounds producing camera-based accessories.

When it does eventually release, it may also use the Proxima wireless chip, which may be included in a number of other hardware refreshes arriving in 2025.

The doorbell is still at the early stages of development, the report claims, with 2026 being the earliest likely introduction for the product.


Rumor Score: Possible

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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 10
    coolfactorcoolfactor Posts: 2,388member
    Great! So now my twin brother can just walk into my house! 
    williamlondonSmittyW
     1Like 0Dislikes 1Informative
  • Reply 2 of 10
    ForumPostforumpost Posts: 117member
    coolfactor said:
    Great! So now my twin brother can just walk into my house! 
    Mi Casa Su Casa bro!
    watto_cobra
     1Like 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 3 of 10
    Pemapema Posts: 246member
    Trillions of dollars in valuation and a cadre of the best engineers on the planet and the best Apple can come up with is a doorbell with FaceID. Sounds rather lame and boring.  :s
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 4 of 10
    ibillibill Posts: 404member
    Pema said:
    Trillions of dollars in valuation and a cadre of the best engineers on the planet and the best Apple can come up with is a doorbell with FaceID. Sounds rather lame and boring.  :s
    I tired of waiting and settled for Arlo.
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 5 of 10
    sailorpaulsailorpaul Posts: 323member
    Heat, heat, heat… if this doorbell can’t handle a south facing door location it will end up being a major black eye for Apple.  I have TWO south facing doors in SoCal that are blasted by the sun.  Dark gray doorbell cases often exceed 140 degrees (really, did nobody take thermal engineering ???)

    I have been thru SIX doorbells that failed,  One of the Aqara died this week.  Plenty of power: 24V 40VA transformer.  Great WiFi.  Even tried painting eone case white.  Sigh
    edited December 2024
    SmittyWheadfull0winewatto_cobra
     1Like 0Dislikes 2Informatives
  • Reply 6 of 10
    StrangeDaysstrangedays Posts: 13,181member
    Pema said:
    Trillions of dollars in valuation and a cadre of the best engineers on the planet and the best Apple can come up with is a doorbell with FaceID. Sounds rather lame and boring.  :s
    welcome to a “rumors” site, bro
    watto_cobramike1
     2Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 7 of 10
    timpetustimpetus Posts: 70member
    Heat, heat, heat… if this doorbell can’t handle a south facing door location it will end up being a major black eye for Apple.  I have TWO south facing doors in SoCal that are blasted by the sun.  Dark gray doorbell cases often exceed 140 degrees (really, did nobody take thermal engineering ???)

    I have been thru SIX doorbells that failed,  One of the Aqara died this week.  Plenty of power: 24V 40VA transformer.  Great WiFi.  Even tried painting eone case white.  Sigh
    Yeah, I'm glad our UniFi doorbell faces North. We did have a camera mount on the West side of our house melt in the sun, had to replace it with one made from a tougher plastic. I imagine a doorbell cam on the side door would have some issues unless we mounted it in something that keeps the sun off.
    watto_cobra
     1Like 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 8 of 10
    phaseanglephaseangle Posts: 42member
    If they make it wireless only I will be looking elsewhere. Honestly what is with these home security brands lately?
    I will either stick with Reolink or upgrade to Unifi. I Have a cloud key with mixed camera brands at the moment and Scrypted for HomeKit translation so if it doesn't have Onvif support I would need to set up translation the other way.
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 9 of 10
    beowulfschmidtbeowulfschmidt Posts: 2,413member
    Might be a good option.  Or it might cost at least twice as much as the most expensive competitor and require an iCloud subscription to unlock all but the ability to ring the doorbell.
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 10 of 10
    mike1mike1 Posts: 3,494member
    If true, please, please be wireless somehow.
     0Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
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