Apple’s plans for the smart home appear to be getting bigger, with a new report suggesting the company is still developing its own security camera, despite a separate partnership with LG to bring more connected devices into the home.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s long-rumoured home camera remains in development and is expected to arrive in 2027. The clarification follows reports that Apple is working with LG on several smart home products, including indoor and outdoor security cameras, a floodlight camera and a smart deadbolt.
But the two projects are apparently separate. In a post on X, Gurman said the cameras being developed with LG have nothing to do with Apple’s own “privacy-centric” home camera, which is also reportedly planned for next year.
The LG partnership is expected to produce devices sold under LG’s branding, even with Apple’s involvement. It’s a similar arrangement to the LG UltraFine displays, which were developed in collaboration with Apple.
Apple’s own camera, meanwhile, could take a slightly different approach to home security. Previously reported under the codename J450, the device is said to focus on monitoring activity around the house rather than simply recording footage.
The camera could detect when people enter or leave a room and use that information to trigger connected devices through Apple Home. For example, lights could switch on automatically when someone walks into a room, then turn off once they’ve left.
Facial recognition is also reportedly being developed to identify household members, alongside the ability to recognise pets. Interestingly, the camera is said to operate at a low frame rate, using AI to analyse activity without continuously recording video.
As for its appearance, Gurman previously described the device as a cylindrical gadget resembling a large metal chapstick. It’s certainly a different look from the usual wall-mounted security cameras.
The camera could also become part of Apple’s wider smart home push, with a separate Home Hub device rumoured to be on the way.
Neither Apple nor LG has officially confirmed the reported camera plans or their release dates. But if the reports prove accurate, Apple could soon have a much bigger presence in the smart home, with its own hardware working alongside products developed with partners.
