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Apple HomeView to Function as HomeKit Security Camera

· Confirmed

Technology Desk

In Short: Apple's HomeView smart home display will include a built-in camera capable of functioning as a HomeKit Secure Video security camera.

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Photo: Original: Rob Janoff / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Apple’s HomeView smart home display, as first reported by Reddit user u/pdfu, is set to include a built-in camera that can function as a HomeKit Secure Video security camera, according to Homekitnews, Macdailynews, The Verge, and Architecturaldigest.

The discovery comes from newly found software strings in the Settings app bundles of HomeView Software 27.2, which detail a dedicated security camera mode with features such as motion detection, live streaming, and recording options, as well as privacy safeguards.

The setup information explicitly states, “Your HomeView can be used as a security camera with HomeKit Secure Video,” according to Homekitnews. Once enabled, the camera can be used for activity detection, live streaming, and recording, much like a conventional HomeKit Secure Video camera.

According to references associated with HomeView’s internal J490 identifier, the device may occasionally capture still images to refresh its camera preview when a household member opens the Home app on their personal device, as reported by Homekitnews.

The feature could be particularly useful for people who want to monitor indoor activity without purchasing a separate security camera, as noted by Igeekphone.com.

HomeView can also automatically mirror CarPlay-enabled audio and video apps from a nearby, paired iPhone, with no modifications to the app required, according to MacRumors.

The full list of built-in Apple apps on the HomeView includes HomeView, which is available to pre-order now and launches on Friday, November 13.

The discovery comes from code sleuth pdfu, who examined HomeView Software 27.2, as reported by MacRumors and Macdailynews.

Apple’s HomeView smart home hub, announced by Architecturaldigest, recognizes up to six people by face and shows each of them their own messages, calendar, and reminders.

According to Theapplepost, HomeView reportedly won’t include a dedicated App Store, instead focusing on home controls, communication, media, and glanceable information.

A monthly fee is generally required to really make this camera function, as noted by Cnet.

While the iPhone Duo is facing some display-related problems for early buyers, Apple is adding more features with the update, including Apple Pencil support for the foldable in apps like Notes and Preview, as reported by TechCrunch.

What this adds

The new security camera feature in HomeView adds to the device's capabilities beyond its announced functions, such as facial recognition and CarPlay mirroring.

The software strings found in HomeView Software 27.2 reveal the security camera mode, which includes motion detection, live streaming, and recording options, as well as privacy safeguards.

The device may occasionally capture still images to refresh its camera preview when a household member opens the Home app on their personal device, according to HomeView’s internal J490 identifier.

Background

Apple released HomeView Software 27.2, featuring 20 default wallpapers and new animations.

What's confirmed

What's still developing

Sources