Apple is developing a variety of new smart home devices for this year and beyond, including a doorbell and a video camera. In the midst of numerous smart home announcements at CES, a noticeable trend suggests an essential reason behind Apple’s upcoming offerings.
Apple’s renewed focus on home technology begins this year
For years, Apple has regarded the smart home sector as a relatively minor interest. While products like the HomePod and Apple TV 4K hold significance, they do not strongly indicate a full commitment to the smart home market.
However, this is shifting. Apple plans to release three new home products this year, including the innovative ‘HomePad’ smart display, marking a significant new product category for the company.
However, starting next year, Apple will venture into equally exciting territory by producing its own smart home devices, a space traditionally occupied by third-party manufacturers.
I’ve previously discussed how the introduction of these two new products could challenge Apple’s historical tendency to reject more new initiatives than it accepts.
A significant trend in the smart home landscape may illuminate why Apple is evolving in this direction.
Increased subscription services in the smart home market
Today, for instance, Amazon’s Ring division introduced a new $5/month subscription plan for smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring. Similarly, Arlo recently raised the prices for its home camera cloud storage services.
Smart home devices typically lack regular upgrade cycles; consumers tend to buy, install, and retain them until they malfunction.
Subscriptions have become a crucial avenue for smart home manufacturers to generate ongoing revenue from their client base.
Additionally, subscriptions could effectively explain Apple’s move towards producing more of its own smart home products, particularly cameras and doorbells.
Apple One and iCloud+ are poised to gain more subscribers through Apple’s new home products
Apple currently offers a home-related subscription service known as HomeKit Secure Video, accessible through an iCloud+ subscription, which is also part of the Apple One Premier bundle.
Here’s how HomeKit Secure Video operates, according to Apple:
With HomeKit Secure Video, you can integrate your home security cameras with the Home app to record and view your footage from anywhere. This service is end-to-end encrypted, and none of the recordings count against your iCloud storage. Access HomeKit Secure Video from your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV.
The video footage is analyzed privately by your home hub using on-device intelligence to identify people, pets, or vehicles. You can review the last 10 days of activity directly in the Home app.
HomeKit Secure Video is an excellent feature from Apple, but it currently only supports third-party cameras.
So, what similarities do Apple’s new home camera and video doorbell share?
Both will be compatible with HomeKit Secure Video, allowing Apple to generate additional subscription revenue.
With its own branded devices, Apple can promote HomeKit Secure Video more effectively to users, while also having the incentive to enhance the feature.
Is this the sole reason behind Apple’s introduction of home cameras and doorbells? Undoubtedly not. There are numerous benefits Apple stands to gain from expanding its range of smart home products.
However, is it reasonable to suggest that the prospect of increased subscription revenue influenced Apple’s decision to create these specific devices? I would be quite surprised if it didn’t.
This development paves the way for future products.
If Apple can integrate new Home-centric services into its existing Apple One subscription, the offering will become even more attractive to Apple users.
In the end, this represents a benefit for both Apple and its customers.
Are you excited about Apple’s new home camera and doorbell? Will you take advantage of HomeKit Secure Video? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Top HomeKit smart home accessories
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