Apple is developing a smart doorbell and lock system that uses Face ID to unlock the doors of known occupants, Mark Gurman reports in the Power On newsletter. Garman said the face-scanning doorbell will connect to smart deadbolts, which could include existing HomeKit-compatible third-party locks. Alternatively, Apple could “partner with certain key manufacturers to provide complete systems from day one.”
However, it may still be some time before doorbell lock systems hit the market. Gurman reports that this is in the early stages of development and won’t be ready until at least the end of next year. Garman said the doorbell will help Apple compete with companies like Amazon’s Ring and Google Nest, and is just one of several smart home products Apple is working on. The company is also reportedly working on in-home security cameras, which will work in conjunction with a smart home hub rumored to debut as early as next year.
