Enhanced Security: Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video Receives Major Updates

Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video service is joining the Apple Intelligence trend to provide more detailed alerts from connected cameras and enable users to search footage using natural language. The Apple Home app is also receiving upgrades powered by AI, including better notifications and support for energy reporting.

These enhancements were announced at WWDC last week and are set to be available to the public this fall. After testing out some of the features in the developer betas for iOS 27 and tvOS 27, it is clear that Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video has significantly improved. This improvement has put it back in contention as a home security system for many users.

The author, who tests various home security cameras, had stopped using Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video due to reliability issues such as cameras disconnecting and clips going missing, as well as excessive notifications. However, with the new updates, including text descriptions of recordings and improved AI-powered alerts, the service has become more competitive with other brands like Ring and Google Nest.

One of the key features of the update is the ability to receive more descriptive notifications. Instead of generic alerts like “animal detected,” users now receive specific information like “dog in yard” or “lawn mowing.” This added context helps users better understand what is happening at home without having to view the video clip immediately.

Additionally, the AI-powered features allow for searching through camera footage using natural language. This can be helpful for finding specific events, such as when a pet entered the house or when a delivery person arrived.

The article also mentions improvements in the camera viewing interface, faster response times, and support for higher video resolutions like 2K and 4K. The Energy tab in the Home app now also includes support for energy monitoring through Matter, allowing users to track their energy usage more efficiently.

While the updates to Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video are promising, the author notes that Apple still lags behind competitors in certain areas, such as automations and intelligence. These features are crucial for a smart home platform to proactively manage itself.

Overall, the upgrades to Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video and the Home app have impressed the author, and they are looking forward to seeing how these improvements will shape up in the full release later this year. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of automations and intelligence in making a smart home platform truly efficient and user-friendly.