Apple’s potential forays into the smart home space could feature an AI-based home monitoring service, according to a new report from an in-the-know Apple watcher.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says Apple has an ‘in home security sensor and system in the works’ led by a camera that would leverage AI to detect what’s going on in the home without relying on the video image.
The idea appears to be a more privacy-focused solution where the camera doesn’t produce a feed showcasing everything everyone does in the house. The camera will be joined by another Apple service, apparently, where users can pay a fee to have the AI monitor their property. If that’s the case, there’s potential for the subscription to be bundled into Apple One.
Gurman writes: “Apple is planning a privacy-centric home security camera and automation device that will use AI to monitor the surrounding environment instead of actual video footage. It will tap into a new home security and monitoring service.”
It’s not clear what Gurman means here. Is it a camera as well as an automation device? Or one product? Gurman’s mention of a camera suggests there definitely will be a lens element, so perhaps Apple’s proposition involves a camera and sensors in other rooms where the AI element is leveraged. Either way, it’ll be interesting to see how all this shakes out. There are some ‘presence sensors’ on the market, which use mmWave radar to detect humans without even having a camera lens.
The report mentions 2027 as a potential launch date. Apple is expected to launch new Siri AI-powered home products at its surprise and shine event next week. They could include a new HomePod, new Apple TV 4K, and a brand new smart display some have dubbed HomePad. See for for that next Wednesday.
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