While Apple hasn’t launched a standalone security camera, HomeView could serve as a HomeKit security camera to protect your home.
October’s smart home event saw Apple introduce HomeView alongside a host of smart home accessories. This included the LG video intercom and a number of LG security cameras and sensors.
However, if the serial leaker and code sleuth’s pdfu is correct in a Reddit post, Apple may still have a home security trick up its sleeve. While HomeView may not strictly be a security camera, it has the ability to act like one.
Discovered in the settings localization in the HomeView 27.2 software, there are descriptions explaining that HomeView can act as a HomeKit security camera. Once enabled, the feature will use the camera on the display to monitor the surrounding area.
Configuration and registration
The main functionality of the camera is to record if any activity is detected. Smart home users can be notified and use the Home app to view a live feed from the camera.
Recordings are private at home, only house members can view live streams and recordings. If a stream starts, the display shows a green light and plays a sound to alert anyone in the recording room.
Additionally, all members of the house are notified of changes to HomeKit Secure Video settings, so they are alerted to the possibility of being in a security recording.
When it comes to managing your camera, there are a few streaming and recording options available:
- Turning it off is simple, as HomeView doesn’t detect motion, record, or stream video.
- Detect Activity will detect motion and alert users, but will not record or allow any streaming from the camera.
- Streaming will allow house members to stream a feed from the camera, but no recording will be done.
- Streaming and Allow Recording will allow both streaming and automatic recordings. House members will be able to start a real-time stream and view those recordings.
There will also be options to set the camera to detect, transmit or record motion whether users are at home, when they are away or when they are sleeping.
Existence does not mean imminent availability
The appearance of the feature within the HomeView 27.2 software at least indicates that it is currently being tested by Apple. However, it does not guarantee that the feature will be available to all users soon.
Since HomeView is a brand new product launch, Apple will likely err on the side of fixing any issues that arise rather than introducing new features that may also raise more problems.
An introduction in version 27.3 is entirely plausible, but a launch of the feature in the next few weeks is unlikely.
