HomeKit Secure Video, introduced with iOS 13.2, is Apple's privacy-focused solution for home security cameras. It leverages iCloud to securely stream and record video footage from compatible indoor and outdoor cameras. All activity notifications appear in the Home app with thumbnail previews, allowing users to quickly see what triggered the alert. The system uses local analysis on a home hub device – such as an iPad, HomePod, or Apple TV – to identify people, animals, vehicles, and other objects without sending footage to the cloud for processing.
Requirements for HomeKit Secure Video
To use HomeKit Secure Video, you need a compatible camera or doorbell, a home hub device (Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad), and a paid iCloud storage plan. A 200GB iCloud plan supports one camera, while a 2TB plan supports up to five cameras. Recorded video does not count against your iCloud storage limit, and clips are retained for up to ten days. Live video streaming does not require a paid iCloud plan.
Compatible Cameras and Doorbells
Several manufacturers have embraced HomeKit Secure Video, including Netatmo, Logitech, Anker's eufy, Eve, and Aqara. Below is a summary of notable models.
Eve Cam
The Eve Cam is an indoor camera with 1080p resolution, USB-C connectivity, and improved night vision. It is priced at $150 and works exclusively with HomeKit Secure Video. Reviews note its privacy features but also that its resolution remains 1080p while competitors offer 2K or higher. The camera has a 150-degree field of view, infrared motion sensor, and built-in microphone and speaker for two-way audio. It supports night vision up to 5 meters.
Aqara Camera E1
The Aqara Camera E1 offers 2K resolution, pan and tilt capabilities, and HomeKit Secure Video support for only $60. It is a budget-friendly option that balances functionality and cost. It also supports local storage via microSD card. The E1 integrates with Aqara's ecosystem of sensors and can be used as a Zigbee hub. Its pan-tilt mechanism allows users to remotely control the camera's viewing angle.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4
The Aqara G4 is a battery-powered doorbell camera with 1080p video, facial recognition, and HomeKit Secure Video. It was the first full-featured HomeKit Secure Video doorbell in many regions. It can also stream to Amazon Alexa and Google Home. The G4 features a 162-degree wide-angle lens and two-way audio. Its on-device AI facial recognition can trigger customized automations, such as unlocking a smart lock when a familiar face is detected.
Logitech Circle View
Logitech offers the Circle View wired doorbell and indoor camera. The Circle View Doorbell includes TrueView technology with a 160-degree field of view, HDR, and color night vision. It integrates with existing doorbell wiring. The Circle View indoor camera provides 1080p video with a 180-degree diagonal field of view and wide dynamic range for better detail in sunlight and shadows. Both models support HomeKit Secure Video.
eufyCam 2 Pro
Anker's eufyCam 2 Pro features 2K resolution and a 140-degree field of view. It includes a home base station and two cameras. HomeKit Secure Video support was added via firmware update. The cameras are wire-free and weather-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor use. The eufyCam 2 Pro also offers local storage on the home base and optional cloud plans via eufy's own service.
How HomeKit Secure Video Works
The system relies on end-to-end encryption. Video footage is analyzed locally on the home hub device to determine if a person, animal, vehicle, or other object is present. Only the analyzed metadata and selected clips are sent to iCloud for storage. This approach preserves privacy because raw video never leaves the home network unless the user chooses to stream or download it. Notifications appear in the Home app with a thumbnail image, and users can view live or recorded footage directly.
Recent Developments
In iOS 15, HomeKit Secure Video gained package detection, allowing cameras to notify users when a package arrives. The update also improved facial recognition and activity zones. A later update in iOS 15.3 fixed a bug where camera thumbnails in the Home app failed to refresh, which had affected many users for weeks. iOS 15 also introduced iCloud+ with unlimited HomeKit Secure Video camera support for higher-tier plans, though the camera limit per account remains at five for the 2TB plan.
Aqara's Latest Offerings
At CES 2025, Aqara announced the Panel Hub S1 Plus, a 6.9-inch touchscreen device that serves as a Zigbee hub and Matter bridge. In July 2025, the company launched the G410 video doorbell with 2K resolution, 175-degree field of view, and mmWave presence detection to reduce false alerts. The G410 is Matter-compatible and supports HomeKit Secure Video. Aqara continues to expand its smart home lineup with new sensors, panels, and cameras designed to work seamlessly with Apple HomeKit.
Eve Outdoor Cam
Eve released its first outdoor floodlight camera in 2022, the Eve Outdoor Cam. It features a 1080p camera, floodlight, and HomeKit Secure Video support. It is designed for outdoor use with IP55 water and dust resistance. The camera has a black metal frame and opaque white glass for the lighting component. It integrates with Eve's other HomeKit devices and can be automated based on motion or time of day.
Belkin Wemo Smart Video Doorbell
Belkin's Wemo brand debuted a Smart Video Doorbell with HomeKit Secure Video support at CES 2022. It is priced at $250 and available through Apple stores. The doorbell offers 1080p video, a 180-degree field of view, and two-way audio. It can be configured to trigger automations and integrate with other HomeKit accessories.
HomeKit Secure Video continues to evolve as Apple adds new features and more third-party manufacturers adopt the protocol. The system's emphasis on privacy and local analysis sets it apart from many cloud-dependent rivals, making it an attractive choice for users already invested in Apple's ecosystem. With the expansion of the Matter standard, future cameras may offer even broader compatibility while still supporting HomeKit Secure Video.
Source:Macrumors News