Apple’s upcoming HomeView smart home hub could do more than just control connected devices, with newly discovered software code suggesting it may also double as a home security camera.
According to code researcher pdfu, strings found in HomeView Software 27.2 reveal support for HomeKit Secure Video, potentially allowing users to monitor their homes and record footage directly through the device. While Apple hasn’t officially announced the feature, the findings suggest HomeView could offer some of the functionality normally reserved for dedicated security cameras.
The software references four camera modes: Off, Detect Activity, Stream, and Stream & Allow Recording. Users may also be able to schedule different settings depending on whether they’re home, away or asleep. Another discovery points to a HomeView-specific configuration supporting 1080p video at 30fps, alongside microphone input for HomeKit Secure Video sessions.
Privacy also appears to be a major consideration. The code suggests that only members of a household will be able to access camera streams and recordings, while a green indicator light and an audible sound will alert people whenever streaming or recording begins. Users would also receive notifications whenever camera settings are changed, making it harder for someone to enable recording without others knowing.
There are some restrictions, though. Despite references to an away mode, the software suggests that streaming and recording can only be enabled directly on HomeView while someone is at home. Features such as facial recognition and activity zones are also expected to be managed through the Home app on an iPhone.
Interestingly, another discovery suggests HomeView could automatically capture still images to refresh its camera preview whenever a household member opens the Home app. The same green privacy indicator would reportedly appear during these captures.
Of course, finding these settings in the software doesn’t guarantee Apple will make the camera functionality available at launch. However, with HomeView scheduled to arrive on November 13 starting at $299, it may not be long before we find out whether Apple’s smart home hub can also replace a separate indoor security camera.
