HomeView can behave like a HomeKit security camera

While Apple hasn't launched a standalone security camera, the HomeView could act as one, working as a HomeKit Security Camera to protect your home.

The October smart home event saw Apple introduce the HomeView alongside a bunch of smart home accessories. That included the LG Video Doorbell and a number of LG security cameras and sensors.

However, if serial leaker and code sleuth pdfu is correct in a Reddit post, Apple may still have a home security trick up its sleeve. While the HomeView may not strictly be a security camera, it has the capability of acting as one.

Uncovered in settings localization in HomeView Software 27.2, there are descriptions explaining that the HomeView can act as a HomeKit Security Camera. Once enabled, the feature will use the camera in the display to monitor the immediate area.

Setting up and recording

The core functionality of the camera is to record if activity is detected. Users of the smart home can be alerted, and use the Home app to view a live feed from the camera.

The recordings are private to the home, with home members alone able to view live streams and recordings. If a stream is started, the display shows a green light and plays a sound to alert anyone in the room of the recording.

Also, all home members are advised of changes to the HomeKit Secure Video settings, so they are warned of the possibility of being in a security recording.

When it comes to managing the camera, there are a few streaming and recording options:

• Off is simple, as the HomeView won't detect motion, record, nor stream video.
• Detect Activity will detect motion and alert users, but won't record or allow any streaming from the camera.
• Stream will allow home members to stream a feed from the camera, but no recording will take place.
• Stream & Allow Recording will enable both streaming and automatic recordings. Home members will be able to launch a real-time stream and view those recordings.

Existence does not mean imminent availability

The appearance of the feature within HomeView Software 27.2 at least indicates that it is currently being tested by Apple. It does not, however, guarantee the feature will be made available to all users anytime soon.

Since the HomeView is a brand new product launch, Apple will probably err toward fixing any issues that crop up rather than introducing new features that can also bring up more problems.

An introduction in 27.3 is entirely plausible, but a launch of the feature in the coming weeks is unlikely.

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