Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently revealed that Apple is gearing up to venture into the smart home camera market in 2026. This move signifies Apple’s entry into direct competition with third-party HomeKit cameras like the Eve Indoor Cam for the first time.

The upcoming IP camera is projected to achieve annual shipments in the tens of millions, indicating Apple’s ambition for it to become a prominent accessory within its product lineup. Kuo emphasizes that the key selling points of Apple’s camera will be its seamless integration with Siri and Apple Intelligence features.

Speculation has been rife for some time about Apple’s strategic foray into the smart home sector, with intermittent rumors surrounding the development of its proprietary accessories.

While the specifics of Apple’s first-party camera functionalities remain undisclosed, it is widely anticipated that the inclusion of a robust embedded Apple silicon chip could facilitate enhanced Apple Intelligence features that set it apart from other cameras on the market.

Apple’s initial major move into the smart home domain will involve the launch of a new smart display device expected to debut next year. This innovative device will combine the functionality of a HomePod-like speaker with a compact, square touchscreen designed to showcase a visual user interface. Positioned as Apple’s competitor to products like the Echo Show, the smart display is likely to focus on kitchen-centric applications such as displaying timers and recipes.

Following this release, Apple is rumored to be working on a more advanced display featuring an articulated robotic arm. This cutting-edge display will have the ability to tilt and pan, enabling it to track and follow the user around the room.