What is HomeKit Secure Video?
HomeKit Secure Video is Apple's intelligent, privacy-focused solution for home security cameras and doorbells. Introduced with iOS 13.2, it leverages iCloud to stream, analyze, and store video footage securely. All video processing happens locally on a home hub—such as an Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad—ensuring that your privacy is maintained. The Home app provides activity notifications with thumbnails, so you can quickly see what triggered an alert. Over the years, Apple has steadily improved the feature, adding package detection in iOS 15 and expanding support for more accessories.
Requirements and Pricing
To use HomeKit Secure Video, you need a home hub: an Apple TV (4th gen or later), a HomePod (original or mini), or an iPad running iOS 13.2 or later. The hub connects your cameras to the internet and performs on-device analysis to identify people, animals, vehicles, and packages. You also need a paid iCloud storage plan: a 200 GB plan supports one camera, while a 2 TB plan supports up to five cameras. Recorded footage does not count toward your iCloud storage limit and is retained for up to ten days. Live video streaming is free and does not require an iCloud plan.
Notable HomeKit Secure Video Cameras and Doorbells
Eve Cam
The Eve Cam is a popular indoor camera that now includes USB-C connectivity and improved night vision, though it retains 1080p resolution. Priced at $150, it offers seamless integration with HomeKit and a 150-degree field of view. It was first released in 2020 and has received iterative updates.
Aqara Camera E1
Aqara's Camera E1 offers 2K resolution, pan and tilt functionality, and HomeKit Secure Video support for just $60. It emerged as a budget-friendly option for those seeking high-resolution recording and flexible viewing angles. The E1 also works as a Zigbee hub for other Aqara sensors.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4
The G4 Video Doorbell was the first HomeKit Secure Video doorbell to operate on battery power alone. It features 1080p recording, a 162-degree wide-angle lens, two-way audio, and on-device AI facial recognition that can trigger custom automations. It launched in March 2023 for around $120.
Aqara Camera Hub G2H
The G2H is a compact indoor camera that doubles as a Zigbee hub for Aqara accessories. It supports 1080p video, HomeKit Secure Video, and local storage. Released in 2020, it remains a solid choice for building an affordable smart home ecosystem.
Logitech Circle View
Logitech introduced the Circle View camera in May 2020 with 1080p video, a 180-degree diagonal field of view, HDR, and color night vision. It is designed for both indoor and outdoor use (with a weather-resistant housing). The Circle View Wired Doorbell was released later that year, offering TrueView technology and a 160-degree field of view.
Eve Outdoor Cam
The Eve Outdoor Cam, launched in 2022, is the first outdoor floodlight camera with HomeKit Secure Video. It features a 1080p camera, IP55 water and dust resistance, and integrated LED floodlights. Like other Eve products, it prioritizes privacy with no cloud dependency beyond iCloud.
Netatmo Smart Indoor Camera
Netatmo's Smart Indoor Camera received HomeKit Secure Video support via a free firmware update in February 2020. It offers 1080p recording, a 130-degree field of view, and on-device AI to distinguish between people, animals, and cars.
eufyCam 2 Pro and eufyCam 2/2C
Anker's eufy brand offers the eufyCam 2 Pro (2K resolution) and the eufyCam 2/2C (1080p). All support HomeKit Secure Video after firmware updates. The eufyCam 2 Pro, priced around $350 for a two-camera kit, includes a home base station for local storage and extended battery life.
Belkin Wemo Smart Video Doorbell
Belkin's Wemo Smart Video Doorbell, available since April 2022, is a wired doorbell with HomeKit Secure Video support. It includes a 120-degree field of view, 1080p video, and two-way audio. The doorbell integrates with existing doorbell wiring and is priced at $250.
Aqara G410 Doorbell
Announced in January 2025 and released in July 2025, the Aqara G410 Doorbell Camera Hub offers 2K resolution, a 175-degree field of view, mmWave presence detection, and Matter compatibility. It represents the latest evolution of HomeKit Secure Video doorbells, with improved false alert reduction and sharper video.
Recent Developments and Updates
With iOS 15, HomeKit Secure Video gained the ability to detect packages, providing notifications when a delivery arrives at your door. This feature leverages the same on-device analysis used for people and animals. In iOS 15.3, Apple fixed a bug where camera thumbnails in the Home app would fail to refresh, a common issue reported by users in early 2022.
In 2026, with iOS 27, Apple announced that iCloud+ subscribers would receive higher daily usage limits for certain Apple Intelligence features, such as image generation that uses powerful server models. While not directly tied to HomeKit Secure Video, this highlights Apple's continued integration of iCloud plans with advanced capabilities.
At CES 2025, Aqara unveiled several new HomeKit-compatible devices, including the Panel Hub S1 Plus with a 6.9-inch touchscreen and the G410 doorbell. The company also announced the G100 camera and H2 dimmer, all supporting HomeKit and Matter. These releases underline the broadening ecosystem of accessories that work seamlessly with Apple's smart home platform.
As of mid-2026, the HomeKit Secure Video landscape continues to expand. Cameras and doorbells from Aqara, Eve, Logitech, Netatmo, eufy, and Belkin offer a range of options for different needs and budgets. The feature remains one of the most private and secure ways to monitor your home, with end-to-end encryption and local processing ensuring that your footage stays under your control.
Source:Macrumors News