Code strings hidden within the latest software for Apple HomeView suggest the company is preparing to add security camera capabilities to its smart home hub. The discovery comes from a Reddit user who identified specific references to a “HomeKit Secure Video” setup page in version 27.2 of the software.
Code reveals camera mode details
The code strings describe a security camera mode that includes motion detection, live streaming, and recording options. According to the findings posted on Reddit by user pdfu, the software contains a setup interface that explicitly states: “Your HomeView can be used as a security camera with HomeKit Secure Video.” This indicates that Apple is engineering the hardware to function as a surveillance device within its existing ecosystem.
The proposed feature appears to include strict privacy safeguards. Video feeds would reportedly be visible only to members of the home. The system would also provide physical and auditory indicators, such as an indicator light and a sound, whenever someone is watching the camera feed or when recording begins. Additionally, home members would receive notifications if any settings for the Secure Video mode are changed.
Customizable detection options
Users would likely have access to customizable options for what the device detects, streams, or records. The software hints suggest these settings could be adjusted based on whether the user is home, away, or asleep. This level of granularity aligns with Apple’s broader emphasis on privacy in its marketing and product design.
Some observers have questioned why Apple did not enable HomeView as a security camera at launch. The company has not issued any official statements confirming the feature or providing a timeline for its release. The presence of these code strings suggests the functionality is still in development or testing phases, which may explain why it was not included in the initial product release.
The discovery highlights the ongoing integration of security features into Apple’s smart home lineup. While the company has not confirmed the launch of this specific feature, the technical groundwork appears to be in place within the HomeView software architecture.
Source: The Verge
