Part 1 of a 2 Part Series
By: Jorge Olivieri, Bacalao AI
Have you ever looked at your iPhone, Apple Watch, or HomePod mini and wondered, “Could Apple completely reinvent home security?” You’re not alone. Enthusiasts and industry insiders alike have been buzzing about the possibility of Apple entering the smart home security market. In this first installment of our two-part series, let’s explore these rumors—where they’re coming from, what Apple might be working on, and why service providers of all sizes (from mom-and-pop security shops to regional dealers and big-name programs) should keep an eye on Apple’s next moves. The second part (coming later) will focus on how these developments might reshape the entire security ecosystem and what it could mean for you.
A Growing Chorus of Apple Security Rumors
It’s no secret that Apple has been quietly ramping up efforts in the smart home arena over the last few years. HomeKit, Apple’s smart home framework, introduced a vision of secure and privacy-focused home automation but until now, Apple hasn’t released its own traditional security hardware like a video doorbell or dedicated cameras. Instead, the company has relied on third-party products which can integrate with HomeKit.
Lately, however, leaked patents, strategic acquisitions, and assorted job postings strongly suggest Apple is preparing to step into this space directly. One rumor that’s gained traction is an Apple video doorbell, potentially leveraging Face ID or other advanced recognition features. The mere idea of an Apple doorbell that automatically recognizes familiar faces (and sends personalized alerts to your iPhone or Apple Watch) already has the industry buzzing.
You might be asking, “Why would Apple want to build a doorbell?” The more accurate question might be, “Why wouldn’t they?” Apple has always approached hardware with a vision of delivering seamless experiences through tight integration with their software and devices. Just look at how AirPods quickly became a category-defining product for wireless earbuds. If Apple sees an opportunity to create a more secure, private, and user-friendly experience for home protection, it’s a natural next step.
It’s not just rumor sites fueling the speculation. Apple’s acquisition strategy is often a revealing indicator of future products in development. Over the past few years, the company has quietly purchased startups focusing on AI-based image recognition, on-device video processing, and 3D-sensing cameras:
These acquisitions point to a single direction: Apple is investing heavily in smart image recognition and home-focused AI. They’ve also filed patents describing doorbells or cameras which can recognize not only faces but other identifying markers, such as body shape or specific accessories, even if the face is partially obstructed. That level of sophistication would be a game-changer in home security.
Why Service Providers Should Pay Attention
You might be wondering, “Does this really concern my security dealership?” Absolutely. Apple has a history of reshaping industries when it decides to jump in with a comprehensive product. We’ve seen this dynamic play out with the iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods, and even the Mac’s rise in enterprise settings.
If Apple offers advanced features for free (or at least bundled with iCloud+), consumers might expect the same from other security providers. This could push independent installers and large service providers alike to consider new bundling or subscription models to remain competitive.
That said, the security sector is vast and nuanced. Not everyone wants a purely DIY approach; many value professional monitoring, hands-on support, and a phone call at 2 AM if an alarm is triggered. Apple’s entry doesn’t necessarily eliminate the need for those services—but it may change the conversation around how security is sold and serviced.
Keeping an Eye on the Horizon
Yes, we’re still in the rumor stage—Apple hasn’t officially announced a doorbell, camera system, or full-blown security suite. But the smoke signals are out there, and they’re growing stronger with each report, patent, or acquisition. If Apple moves forward (which seems increasingly likely), the ripple effect could be substantial. Independent security businesses might need to adapt, software companies may explore deeper integrations with Apple, and established dealer programs could decide whether to cooperate, compete, or carve out unique niches.
For now, the best approach is to stay informed. Keep an eye on Apple’s official events, patent filings, and strategic job listings that mention anything related to home security or “homeOS.” Follow insider reports from reliable sources. Even if Apple’s first move is just a camera or doorbell, there’s often a deeper roadmap behind an Apple product launch—like expansions into broader integrated security solutions.
What’s Next in This Series?
This article is just part one of our two-part journey. While we’ve focused on what Apple might be doing—from rumored hardware to behind-the-scenes moves—our next installment will dive deeper into the bigger picture.
Until then, stay curious about what Apple is planning. If history tells us anything, it’s that when Apple steps into a market, the bar for user experience and integration gets raised—often in unexpected ways. For those of us in the security industry, it’s equally exciting and nerve-wracking. But with a little preparation and the right mindset, new competition can lead to growth and innovation that in turn benefits everyone in the long run.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jorge Olivieri is a seasoned strategic sales expert with over twenty years of experience in enhancing sales growth and broadening client bases across diverse industries. In addition to running his own business for a decade, Jorge also most recently was with Alarm. Com. Fluent in English and Spanish, Jorge is known for his strategic sales approaches, strong client relationship skills, and a robust understanding of market trends and technologies.