Apple’s Latest Patent Hints at its Own Line of HomeKit-Compatible Security Cameras

Apple has been granted a new patent that could pave the way for the tech giant to develop its own line of HomeKit-compatible security cameras. The patent, which was granted under number 11589010 B2, pertains to computer user interfaces and more specifically, to techniques for managing camera views and visitors.

In the patent, Apple notes that while cameras installed inside or outside of a home enable residents to view events that occur or have occurred at entry points to the home, some existing techniques for managing camera views and visitors are generally cumbersome and inefficient.

Apple’s new technology is designed to address these limitations. Specifically, the patent covers techniques for switching between configurations of a camera view, displaying indications of visitors detected by an accessory device of the home automation system, and displaying a multi-view camera user interface.

In addition, the new technology will enable users to obtain information related to recent visitors in images captured by the camera. This information will be different for visitors known to the home and visitors unknown to the home. Moreover, the technology will provide notifications of suggestions based on an event corresponding to a media stream that is available for display.

Finally, the technology will also provide notifications identifying a currently signed-in user or user account and providing options or instructions for signing in a different user or user account. In this way, users can quickly and easily access the information they need without wasting time or device energy.

While the patent does not provide details about when or if Apple plans to develop its own line of HomeKit-compatible security cameras, it is clear that the company is continuing to invest in this area. As more and more people seek to protect their homes and families with smart home technology, it is likely that Apple will continue to develop innovative solutions that make it easier and more convenient to manage security cameras and other smart home devices.