Apple is reportedly working on a smart doorbell with Face ID support, allowing users to unlock their doors by looking at the device. It will work similarly to Face ID on iPhones. This move is marked as Apple’s entry into the smart home market. In the latest Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg provided a detailed look at Apple’s efforts in the smart home space. When residents approach their door, the camera scans their faces and automatically unlocks the connected deadbolt.
It is said that the company will use its upcoming Proxima wireless chip to protect users’ data. The device will also use Apple’s Secure Enclave technology to keep biometric data safe, as per the report of Gurman.
Currently, Apple sells third-party smart home locks on its e-store, but this is expected to be the first lock made by the company itself. It is expected to work on the same HomeKit protocol and might also support other third-party locks. This can put Apple as a direct competitor to companies like Amazon’s Ring and Google Nest, which currently lead this market.
The smart home doorbell is still in the initial stage of development, and it won’t hit the market before late 2025, according to Gurman. However, it is speculated that the Cupertino-based technology giant develops the technology but sells it through a third-party brand. In that case, Apple might partner with Logitech or Belkin, as per Gurman.
The newsletter also talks about other efforts by Apple in the smart home market. Apple is also developing a smart home hub powered by artificial intelligence (AI) with a 6-inch display, FaceTime support, and the control of smart devices. The Cupertino-based technology giant is also rolling out software updates for Apple TV and HomePod mini devices by next year, as per the report.
