Apple’s next thing will be a key device for the connected home.

Bet on Apple for him connected home could expand in the coming years, and not just with the rumored HomePod with a display and other devices aimed at the robotics segment. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is also working on launching its own IP camera.

According to the analyst, Apple plans to begin large-scale production of its IP camera. in 2026 and strives to achieve some fairly ambitious sales targets. In particular, this indicates that Californians have a long-term goal of exceeding 10 million annual shipments.

The latter is not a minor fact as the smart security camera market currently covers 30 to 40 million units per year worldwide. If Apple lived up to its intended internal parameters, it could quickly become one of the most important players in this segment.

Kuo doesn’t reveal details about Apple’s proposed IP camera, although he does indicate that it will seamlessly integrate with the rest of the brand’s devices thanks to a wireless connection. Additionally, this indicates that Apple may take the opportunity to give the device advanced features via Siri and Apple Intelligence.

The report indicates that Apple would have already chosen Gertek as the sole person responsible for the production of your future IP camera. In any case, it is currently unknown whether the Cupertino manufacturers already have a functional prototype in their facilities or whether the proposed product is still on the drawing board.

The IP camera will be Apple’s next step into the connected home.

Security cameras have become an important part of the connected home. These devices not only allow you to remotely monitor your home or other premises using your mobile phone, tablet or computer, but also allow you to integrate with other equipment in your home ecosystem, such as TVs or smart screens.

Your own IP camera that connects to the Home app and deliver feed Live audio and video to iPhone, iPad or Apple Watchsounds like a more than logical option for the company to expand its presence in the connected home space. What Kuo points to as possible integration with Siri also sounds feasible, as users could use their voice to ask the assistant to show them what’s going on in certain rooms.

Of course, at least for now, everything related to possible functionality is just speculation. If Apple really intends to begin mass production of its IP camera in 2026, then most likely the equipment will not appear until sometime this year or directly in 2027.

It will be interesting to see if by then Compatibility with CCTV cameras is already implemented in Matter. While Apple supports the connected home standard today, it still doesn’t include a much-requested option for controlling this type of device.

Tim Cook currently sells security cameras and doorbells that are compatible with their third-party ecosystem. Products such as Eva Cam And Logitech 360-degree view They are included in the catalog of smart home accessories in the Apple store. However, if Apple were to develop its own IP camera, it could quickly become an unlikely competitor to these brands.