Apple is reportedly gearing up to make its entrance into the smart home camera market, according to a recent report by Ming-Chi Kuo, an established analyst known for his accurate predictions surrounding Apple products. This new smart camera is expected to initiate mass production in the year 2026, marking a significant step for Apple as it diversifies its product offerings. The company, with ambitious sales goals, appears to be highly enthusiastic about this new category. They are aiming for annual shipments in the “tens of millions,” setting a clear target of at least 10 million units sold. This is particularly noteworthy given that the current global market for smart home cameras sees annual sales ranging between 30 to 40 million units.
The upcoming wireless camera is anticipated to be designed for seamless integration within Apple’s existing ecosystem. This means the camera will likely leverage Apple Intelligence, which could enhance its functionality with advanced features such as facial recognition, object detection, and smart alerts. Additionally, the device is expected to use Siri, allowing users to control the camera through voice commands, enhancing the overall user experience.
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In conjunction with this move into the smart home market, Kuo’s report highlights Apple’s strategic shift regarding its AirPods product line. The company is looking to pivot its focus towards health management features, drawing from the successful model established by the Apple Watch. This means that upcoming versions of AirPods will likely incorporate advanced health-tracking capabilities, including heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and possibly even sleep patterns. This new direction is projected to significantly impact AirPods sales, with an increase from approximately 48 million units sold last year to between 53 and 55 million units in the current year. The trend is expected to continue, with projections of 58 to 62 million units next year and a goal to reach 65 to 68 million by 2026, coinciding with the anticipated launch of a new model. This commitment to health-focused features may help Apple capitalize on the growing consumer interest in health and wellness technology.