Apple is reportedly working on bringing its Face ID technology from smartphones to your home, with plans to introduce a smart doorbell camera that uses facial recognition to unlock doors. According to Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter, the new device could be released by the end of 2025, at the earliest.
Much like the Face ID feature on iPhones, the smart doorbell camera will recognize the faces of residents and authorized visitors, automatically unlocking the door without the need for traditional keys or passcodes. The doorbell will include Apple’s Secure Enclave chip, which securely stores and processes facial recognition data separately from other device hardware, ensuring privacy and security.
The camera will also be compatible with existing HomeKit smart locks, and Apple may collaborate with a smart lock company to ensure a seamless user experience from the outset. The doorbell is expected to feature Apple’s upcoming “Proxima” wireless chip, which combines Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for better connectivity and security. This same chip is also anticipated to appear in the next versions of the HomePod Mini and Apple TV.
The smart doorbell camera is part of a larger push by Apple to expand its smart home product lineup. Other rumored devices include a new home security camera, smart displays that function like iPads or include robotic arms for enhanced functionality, and a smart hub with a 6-inch screen and AI-powered controls, which would act as the command center for Apple’s home ecosystem. Additionally, updates to existing products like the HomePod Mini and Apple TV are expected, with new versions likely to feature the Proxima chip.
Apple’s entry into the smart doorbell market would put it in direct competition with established players like Amazon’s Ring and Google’s Nest. While the company could launch its own doorbell, Gurman suggests that Apple may also license the technology to third-party brands such as Logitech or Belkin.
Although the Face ID-enabled doorbell is not expected to hit the market before late 2025, updates to Apple’s other smart home products could come as soon as next year.