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HomeKit Coming to Routers and Gets New 'Secure Video' Feature

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Many home cameras today send video the the cloud to, for example, analyze the difference between a leaf blowing in the wind or someone at your door.

homekit routers
Apple aims to improve this with a new feature called HomeKit Secure Video with on-device analyzing. An encrypted stream is then sent to iCloud that no one, not even Apple, can see. You'll be alerted to activity and can review what's going on.

HomeKit is also coming to routers, effectively adding a firewall between smart home accessories and your network. Launch partners will include Linksys, Eero, and Charter/Spectrum.

Related Roundup: WWDC 2026

Top Rated Comments

89 months ago
They should have had this in place from the moment they discontinued the Airport line of Apple branded routers.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Le Big Mac Avatar
89 months ago
I'm guessing that the camera makers that currently rely in part on subscriptions for cloud storage, etc., won't buy into SecureVideo
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
roland.g Avatar
89 months ago
Didn’t see that Arlo is on board either but I wouldn’t have expected it.

Hey Apple, how about adding support for the HomeKit Routers to your existing Extreme Tower router even though you EOL’d. Should just be a firmware upgrade.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
89 months ago
Just bring out new Apple gear ffs. IoT is ripe for disruption. Mental that every market is now judged on whether Apple can make 300% profit rather than 300% difference; that’s Tim’s Apple v Steve’s Apple.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
84 months ago

...
I think my security is worth something and I think cloud storage is worth something and I think that 5 cameras is probably completely reasonable starting point for most people. I already saw the value in paying for 2TB of storage for my family to share so for me the 5 camera support is being added for FREE.
I don't have a problem with Apple's price.

My main problem is that the five camera limit is not a starting point it is an absolute limit that cannot be exceeded. With this being easily reachable even for a single small house and HomeKit supposedly supporting multiple homes it is a silly unnecessary limit that renders it useless I feel to many customers.

You can't even pay more for more cameras.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
86 months ago


This would then be fair, honest and competitive compared to other brands whilst still providing I believe a similar level of revenue to Apple.
Let me get this right? A less expensive solution for 5 cameras that also gives you essentially 2TB of then free cloud storage is not competitive? I mean I understand that it might not work for you but a door bell cam and 4 other cameras is more than most will need. And if that is not the case, I'm sure Apple will figure a way increase the number of cameras supported.

BTW! That is not even what was so cool about this solution. No matter what Amazon gives you they also get your video and Apple is doing local processing here. Far more secure!
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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