Apple is reportedly developing a smart home security system that incorporates its facial recognition technology. The company is working on a new smart lock and doorbell, which would enable homeowners to unlock their doors through facial scans. This system may also integrate with third-party locks or possibly be bundled with a lock from a specific provider. Although the technology is still in the early stages, it is expected to be available by late 2025 as soon as possible. Apple has yet to comment on the project.
This move reflects Apple’s growing interest in the smart home market, which was further evidenced by a recent report indicating that the company is developing a voice-controlled, AI-powered tablet to manage home devices. Additionally, Apple is working on creating home robots. Despite these ambitious plans, not all of them may come to fruition, as the company recently abandoned its car project and stopped pursuing a subscription model for the iPhone.
The new doorbell and lock system could help Apple expand its ecosystem of smart home products, potentially encouraging users to purchase additional Apple devices like the iPhone or Apple Watch. It also positions Apple to compete more directly with rivals such as Google’s Nest and Amazon’s Ring, both of which offer similar home security products, including video doorbells with motion detection.
However, this move could place Apple in the midst of privacy debates, particularly concerning how it handles user data. Both Ring and Nest have faced scrutiny for their collaboration with law enforcement agencies, which have gained access to videos through emergency requests without user consent. Apple’s facial recognition system could raise similar concerns regarding user privacy and data security.
Apple’s commitment to user privacy has been a key part of its brand identity, with CEO Tim Cook famously standing against government requests to unlock iPhones for law enforcement. In 2016, Cook refused to comply with a US government demand to unlock an iPhone used by a shooter in San Bernardino, emphasizing the company’s strong stance on protecting user privacy. This commitment will likely be a central consideration as Apple enters the home security market with its new technology.
