Apple may be eyeing-up the smart doorbell market, with a report suggesting that a Face ID-enabled camera that could unlock your door simply by recognizing your face is on the horizon.
That’s according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, a well respected tipster who is also the man fuelling the Apple smart home hub and security camera rumors.
According to Gurman, the video doorbell, like the hub and camera launches, will be next year. Although his report states it’s still in the early stages of development and isn’t expected to launch before the end of 2025.
It’s not a far stretch to imagine that, if Apple did want to ramp up its smart home efforts, then a video doorbell could be on the cards.
The Cupertino tech giant has the Face ID tech already in wide use, after all.
It’s purported that the doorbell would scan a resident’s face as they approach, then connect wirelessly to a deadbolt to unlock the door automatically.
Leveraging Apple’s Secure Enclave chip, the system would process Face ID data separately from the main hardware, much like Apple’s other biometric tech.
The report suggests this smart doorbell may integrate with existing third-party HomeKit compatible smart locks, but Apple could also partner with a brand to deliver a complete package at launch.
It’s also rumored to feature Apple’s upcoming “Proxima” Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chip, which is expected to debut in new HomePod Mini and Apple TV devices.
This move would be part of Apple’s broader push into the smart home arena, reportedly centered around an Apple Intelligence ecosystem.
Other rumored products include an Apple-branded TV, new smart home cameras, and the hub I mentioned, which is set to feature displays; one with a magnetic wall-mountable design, and another attached to a robotic arm for enhanced functionality.
While a Face ID-enabled doorbell could rival products like Amazon’s Ring, it also introduces new risks. As Gurman notes, any potential security vulnerabilities could lead to significant backlash if the system were linked to home break-ins.
