Apple to push new and refreshed home hardware across 2025
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Netatmo and other home security cameras are already compatible with HomeKit Secure Video -- image credit: Netatmo. Apple's work to create its own networking chips will lead to updated and new home products, including an updated Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini, and more.
As AppleInsider has previously reported, the company has developed its own wireless networking chip, called Proxima, that would replace networking technology currently supplied by Broadcom. The chips will debut in updated home products across 2025. In addition to connecting new and updated devices to an existing home network, the Proxima chip could potentially serve as a wireless access point itself, according to Bloomberg. The company plans to use the chip in both new and refreshed home devices, possibly including its own line of security cameras.
The chip will also be used in future iPhone and Mac models, but its potential Airport-like networking functions would be employed primarily for home products, including a reported smart lock doorbell that incorporates Face ID. For years, Apple has supported leveraging iCloud to store video footage from compatible home security cameras via a feature called HomeKit Secure Video. The purpose of the feature was to save Apple users money by offering additional storage for home security video as part of their iCloud subscription, rather than having to pay expensive third-party hosting services.
Users who pay for the 200GB level of iCloud storage can store up to 10 days worth of encrypted security footage from up to five supported cameras without counting against their storage limit. Likewise, 2TB iCloud subscribers can store up to 10 days of recordings from an unlimited number of cameras.
