A Face ID compatible Apple doorbell in preparation

Sunday 22nd December 2024 03:12 PM

If there is nothing more to expect from Apple for this year, 2025 should see the arrival of some new things. Indeed, the firm is working on several home automation products, including a connected doorbell, which could well compete with Ring.

A Face ID compatible Apple doorbell

So, the firm is reportedly in the early stages of developing a connected doorbell, compatible with Face ID. In its latest newsletter Power On Today's Mark Gurman thinks Apple is finally tackling home. This doorbell could work with third-party HomeKit locks, but Cupertino could also partner with another brand to offer an all-in-one solution.

All you have to do is stand directly in front of the device for the integrated faceID camera to recognize the owner of the premises (or an authorized/registered person) and unlock the front door. Exactly like unlocking your iPhone or iPad.

If it ever comes to fruition, it shouldn't happen until the end of next year at the earliest.. Such a device could feature Apple's Bluetooth Wi-Fi chip which is reportedly in preparation. The latter (from its little code name Proxima) would be equipped with a secure enclave to protect user data and securitya notion dear to Apple.

WHAT TO EXPECT from Apple in HOME AUTOMATION?

For several months, rumors have been circulating about new home automation products in preparation at Apple. We have been hearing about a HomePod with a screen for several weeks. This new generation HomePod would be well equipped with a small OLED screen which would only be 6 to 7 inches.

Let us point out that the rumors about a HomePod with a screen do not date from yesterday, but from 2021. In reality, Cupertino would have worked on several home automation products, and even, several variants of HomePod with screens, including one with a screen of iPad type and an integrated camera, and another with a screen mounted on a robotic arm.

Obviously, we would have to wait a long time. In his last publication, Ming Chi Kuo was banking on the end of the year (around the 3rd quarter). He indeed mentions a delay in the development of the device system. He said the mass production schedule for the device has already been delayed several times, mainly due to software development concerns. Originally scheduled for 2024, it was postponed to Q1 25, and more recently, further delayed until after WWDC 2025.

Like Mark Gurman, Ming Chi Kuo talks about repositioning the device, more like a home automation control center (and no longer as a smart speaker). This HomeAccessory – by its short code name J490 – could be equipped with an A18 chip (and at least 8GB of RAM) to support Apple Intelligence features, and also with a 6 to 7 inch screen. The beta versions had also revealed a new category of products (like what exists for HomePods (which falls under AudioAccessories).