Apple plans smart home camera launch for 2026 with focus on privacy and AI features

Apple plans to release a smart home camera in 2026, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The camera is expected to focus on privacy and advanced AI features, aiming to sell millions annually. The camera will utilize HomeKit Secure Video, which offers end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only users can access their footage. Unlike other cameras, it will not support uploads to third-party cloud services, enhancing privacy. Apple's camera is anticipated to include advanced AI capabilities, such as recognizing household members and detecting unusual events. It will likely integrate closely with HomeKit, providing ongoing software updates and new features over time.