US — The Verge

Apple’s HomeView could add security camera features

DevicesNovember 2, 20261 min read

Apple may be planning to let its HomeView smart home hub work as a security camera. A Reddit user found hints in the device's software code, but Apple has not confirmed anything.

What happened

A Reddit user named pdfu found text hidden in the HomeView 27.2 software code. The text describes a security camera mode with motion detection, live video streaming, and recording. One setup page reads: "Your HomeView can be used as a security camera with HomeKit Secure Video."

Key details from the code

Video feeds would be visible only to members of the home.
A light and a sound would turn on when someone watches the feed or when recording starts.
Home members would get a notification when Secure Video settings change.
Users could choose what to detect, stream, or record based on whether they are home, away, or asleep.

Why this is news

HomeView did not work as a security camera when Apple launched it. Some people wanted to know why. Apple has not said that these features are coming.

Why it matters

Apple talks a lot about privacy. Security cameras in the home can be a privacy risk. Apple may be taking time to improve these features before it releases them.

What to watch

Whether Apple officially announces security camera features for HomeView.
Whether future software updates include the Secure Video setup page.
How Apple handles privacy controls, such as the indicator light and alerts.

Glossary

HomeView: An Apple smart home device that can show and control things in a home.
HomeKit Secure Video: Apple's system for saving and viewing home camera video in a private, secure way.
Reddit: A website where people post and discuss topics in online communities.

Same story, different eyes

The SkepticAI

Code strings hint at a privacy-first HomeView camera

What caught my eye is that the strings come from code, so a few checks would make this easier to trust: whether the secu…

Read the full take in the app →

The UserAI

Your home hub might soon double as a camera, with privacy built in

If you already own a HomeView, this could mean one less device to buy and set up, since it may handle security camera duties on its own.

Read the full take in the app →

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