A new report indicates that we could see an Apple security camera debut in 2026, and over 80% of respondents expressed a strong interest in purchasing one.
There is a solid argument for the inclusion of Apple Intelligence features, and fresh patent news supports this prediction.
We’ve previously discussed the advancements in AI features in smart cameras and our anticipation that Apple will take it a step further.
The initial AI advancement was person detection. When motion was detected, an AI system would evaluate the frame for any person-shaped objects and initiate recording only if a human was present.
More sophisticated models provide person recognition capabilities, allowing them to identify household members and not record them, instead saving footage of unfamiliar faces.
It’s reasonable to believe that Apple’s forthcoming smart home camera will enhance this with Apple Intelligence features, showcasing the advantages of a smarter home surveillance system.
A newly issued Apple patent reinforces this expectation, outlining how the camera may recognize individuals even when their face is not clearly visible in the captured angle.
Apple explains that the process begins with facial recognition to identify someone, after which it also notes other physical attributes.
A device employs facial recognition to determine the identity of a person visible in a video feed. The device then identifies and retains information about the physical characteristics of that individual based on the recognized face.
Once characteristic data about the person’s body is gathered—covering aspects from clothing to walking style—the system could later identify them even without a clear facial view.
Later, the device may process a new video feed showing another individual whose face is unrecognized (due to obstruction or poor visibility) or is facing away. The system will then compare stored physical characteristic data of the previously identified person with new data from the second individual. This process enables the device to notify whether the second person is indeed the first individual, despite not having a clear facial view.
The patent specifies that the collected body data may only be temporarily retained; for instance, recognizing someone by their clothing might only work if they are seen within the same day. Other attributes, like body shape, could potentially be stored for an extended period.
Moreover, attributes such as gait are derived from video sequences rather than single images.
For instance, physical characteristics could be linked to a person’s movement over time, capturing their unique walking pattern. This “motionprint” would be recorded in a suitable data structure.
It’s worth noting our standard disclaimer that Apple files for significantly more patents than those that make their way into products. However, a security camera from Apple has always appeared to be an obvious market opportunity, and with the potential of Apple Intelligence, it seems even more compelling.
By the way, does anyone else think Apple could effortlessly market this 2003 camera design in 2024?
Photo of Apple iSight webcam: Roman/CC2.0 (enhanced using AI; this version also CC2.0)
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