Apple appears to be cooking up something new, and this time it seems that the tech-giant is developing a new smart home doorbell. According to Apple insider Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, the doorbell is expected to compete with the likes of other smart home doorbells like Ring and Google Nest.
According to Gurman, the doorbell will offer "advanced facial recognition" and integrate fully and wirelessly with the smart home locks. So far, Apple already offers third party HomeKit locks on its online stores, however, doorbells with facial recognition would be considered a completely new venture. Gurman reports, "The idea is that the doorbell could automatically unlock the door for a home's residents by scanning their face — just like Face ID lets them into their iPhone." Gurman also shares that Apple may be looking to partner with a specific lock maker to offer a complete and seamless package with just one purchase. They may also choose to release the product under its own brand and perhaps partner with a technology company like Belkin to get started.
While the doorbell is only at the early stages of development, the project would be in line with Apple's significant expansion into smart home devices next year. The report indicates that the smart doorbell will not be coming to market "before the end of next year at the soonest," as it looks to take advantage of the company's new in-house networking chip. Apple is reportedly set to release a new smart home control device that will allow users to attach it to their walls and a speaker base. Next year is also expected to see a new refresh for Apple TV and the HomePod.
Stay tuned for more information.
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