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Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Wednesday January 1, 2025
Wednesday January 1, 2025

Apple’s smart doorbell: Genius or a privacy disaster in disguise?

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Apple plans to launch a face ID-enabled smart doorbell in 2025, raising privacy debates

Apple is preparing to disrupt the smart home market once again, this time with a groundbreaking innovation—a smart doorbell with Face ID technology. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the device is slated for a late 2025 release and promises to revolutionise home security.

The smart doorbell will reportedly use Apple’s proprietary Face ID system to recognise individuals and automatically unlock doors. At the heart of the device lies a custom-built wireless networking chip, known as Proxima, which ensures all Face ID images are processed locally on the device itself. This move aims to address privacy concerns by minimising the risks associated with cloud-based facial recognition. However, the device will still back up its data to iCloud, which is expected to boost Apple’s subscription revenue.

What sets Apple’s smart doorbell apart is its potential integration with HomeKit, Apple’s smart home ecosystem. While it remains unclear whether Apple will release a dedicated smart lock alongside the doorbell, it may collaborate with third-party manufacturers to ensure compatibility. The device is also expected to support the Thread smart home standard, ensuring seamless integration with other smart home devices.

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Apple’s competition in this space includes industry giants such as Amazon’s Ring and Google’s Nest, both of which have dominated the smart doorbell market for years. With privacy as a critical differentiator, Apple seems poised to offer an alternative that could attract users wary of other companies’ data practices. However, critics argue that iCloud backups still leave a window open for potential vulnerabilities.

In addition to the smart doorbell, Apple is reportedly developing a smart home hub that could rival Google’s Nest Hub and Amazon’s Echo Hub. Early rumours suggest this hub will feature a 6-inch touchscreen and a new operating system designed for smart home controls, Apple Intelligence integration, and even FaceTime capabilities. Alongside these advancements, Apple is said to be working on updated versions of its Apple TV and HomePod Mini devices, signalling a major push into the smart home market.

While the promise of convenience and cutting-edge technology excites many, questions linger about the implications for privacy and security. With local processing touted as a key feature, Apple aims to reassure users. But as the tech giant delves deeper into personal spaces like doorsteps and living rooms, it remains to be seen how consumers will balance their desire for innovation with concerns about data sovereignty.

Apple’s foray into the smart doorbell market signals not just a battle for market share but also a pivotal moment in how we think about technology, privacy, and security. The late 2025 launch will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans, critics, and competitors alike.

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