After a year in which Apple launched the Vision Pro and updated almost every device in its catalog, you’d think Apple would rest for a while. According to a new rumor, this is absolutely not the case.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that Apple will make “its first foray into the smart home IP camera market” with a new device launching in 2026. This would be Apple’s first standalone camera since the iSight camera of 2003 and its first smart home device.
It’s unclear whether the camera is intended to be used indoors or outdoors, but Kuo says it “is designed to integrate seamlessly with other Apple hardware products via connectivity wireless”. Kuo says the move “demonstrates Apple’s continued exploration of growth opportunities in the home market” and believes that “the user experience will be significantly improved thanks to Apple’s formidable ecosystem and deep integration with Apple Intelligence and Siri.”
Apple is in the process of rolling out Apple Intelligence features, so a 2026 release makes sense. Apple is also expected to launch a HomePod with a screen, which will likely be closely related to this new device, perhaps even released simultaneously. Apple already offers HomeKit Secure Video, which provides end-to-end encryption for HomeKit-enabled cameras, but users have reported issues with some manufacturers. An Apple brand camera will likely solve these problems.
