Apple’s new HomeView smart home display could soon offer an unexpected feature: the ability to function as a HomeKit security camera.
According to a November 1, 2026 report, hidden software settings suggest Apple is testing this capability.
The discovery comes shortly after Apple’s October smart home event, where the company introduced HomeView alongside several connected accessories.
These included an LG video doorbell, security cameras, and smart home sensors.
However, Apple has not officially announced a dedicated security camera of its own.
The newly discovered settings suggest HomeView could help fill that gap.
Hidden Software Reveals Camera Capabilities
A Reddit user known as pdfu discovered references to security camera functionality within HomeView Software 27.2.
The settings indicate that HomeView could use its built-in display camera to monitor nearby activity.
Additionally, the device could detect movement and notify household members through Apple’s Home app.
Users may also gain access to live video streams and recorded footage.
Consequently, HomeView could serve as both a smart home controller and an indoor monitoring device.
Four Camera Modes Offer Greater Control
The discovered software describes four operating modes for the potential security feature.
The Off setting would disable motion detection, video streaming, and recording.
Meanwhile, Detect Activity would identify movement and send alerts without capturing video.
The Stream option would allow household members to watch live footage without saving recordings.
Finally, Stream & Allow Recording would enable live viewing alongside automatic video recording.
Furthermore, users could configure these functions according to whether they are home, away, or asleep.
These options would give households greater control over when monitoring takes place.
Apple Plans Privacy Protections
The proposed feature also includes safeguards designed to protect household privacy.
Only authorised home members would have access to live streams and recordings.
Additionally, HomeView would display a green indicator and play an audible alert whenever someone starts streaming.
Apple’s system would also notify household members about changes to HomeKit Secure Video settings.
Therefore, users would receive warnings when monitoring preferences change.
Release Date Remains Uncertain
Despite the discovery, Apple has not confirmed when the feature might become available.
The software references indicate ongoing development rather than a guaranteed public release.
However, a future HomeView Software 27.3 update could potentially introduce the functionality.
Apple may also prioritise resolving early product issues before expanding HomeView’s capabilities.
Ultimately, the proposed feature could make HomeView a more versatile smart home device.
For now, customers must wait for official confirmation before expecting built-in HomeKit security camera support.
