Apple is developing a home security camera designed to detect intruders and notify homeowners without capturing video footage. According to Bloomberg News Managing Editor and Apple insider Mark Gurman, the upcoming hardware aims to ease growing consumer privacy concerns by acting as a sensor rather than a traditional recording device.
Apple Develops Camera Without Video Recording
The tech giant is reportedly working on a home security device that will function differently from mainstream options like Ring or Nest. Speaking on his podcast Power On, Gurman described the hardware as small cylinders akin to a metal ChapStick that can be placed throughout a home.
Instead of continuous video streams, these devices would rely on artificial intelligence and facial recognition to track movement inside and outside the property. The cameras will feature a low frame rate, capturing far fewer still images than standard security cameras. Rather than supplying watchable footage, the system will communicate events using text descriptions such as “the dog is in the kitchen” or “someone is outside the back door.”
An Apple representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the reported device. The security cameras are intended to act as companions to a new AI-powered home hub that the company is slated to launch October 13.
Consumers reject constant recording from smart devices
The hardware concept emerges as consumers grow increasingly frustrated with constant recording from everyday devices, ranging from Flock AI-powered security cameras to Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses. Meta’s smart glasses have drawn public scrutiny and the nickname “pervert glasses” because users can secretly record people without their knowledge. In response, Meta is reportedly developing glasses without cameras that rely entirely on AI for speech and listening.
Avoiding video recording could serve as a major selling point for Apple, according to Gurman. CNET home security expert Tyler Lacoma noted that operating a smart home device without storing watchable video streams provides a strong privacy element, though specific details on Apple’s on-device data capture remain scarce.
Despite the focus on privacy, true facial recognition technology could create legal hurdles. Lacoma pointed out that similar identity-tracking features previously triggered lawsuits against smart home security companies Nest and Ring. Gurman dismissed the idea that Apple would compromise customer data, though he acknowledged the company will likely face accusations of turning over personal information to government agencies.
Questions Remain Over Police Investigations
Without stored footage of a burglary or other crimes, law enforcement agencies would face significant hurdles during criminal investigations. Gurman noted that detectives typically require actual tape to gather identifying information, so it is unclear how Apple intends to market the product to buyers seeking home protection.
Technical specifics regarding the biometric templates and underlying machine learning technology remain undisclosed. Gurman stated that while the new home hub will not use the iPhone and iPad’s Face ID system, the security cameras might share whatever biometric template the hub ultimately employs.
Apple will launch AI home hub October 13
When is Apple expected to release the new home hub?
The company is slated to launch the new AI-powered home hub on October 13, according to reports from Bloomberg News.
How will the security cameras communicate events without video?
The devices will use artificial intelligence to analyze visual input and send text notifications to homeowners, such as noting that a pet is in the kitchen or an individual is near a door.
What privacy concerns are driving this design choice?
Growing public backlash against constant surveillance from smart devices, Flock security cameras, and camera-equipped smart glasses has created a market opening for alternatives that do not store watchable video footage.
Related reading