Updated
Updated · The Verge · Jun 16
Apple Adds 4K-Ready AI Search to HomeKit Secure Video as Home App Gains Energy Reporting
Updated
Updated · The Verge · Jun 16

Apple Adds 4K-Ready AI Search to HomeKit Secure Video as Home App Gains Energy Reporting

3 articles · Updated · The Verge · Jun 16

Summary

  • Apple is rolling out Apple Intelligence features to HomeKit Secure Video in iOS 27, adding AI clip summaries, natural-language search, faster loading and improved camera stability ahead of a public release this fall.
  • In developer beta testing, camera alerts became more descriptive—such as “dog in yard” or “lawn mowing”—and search queries like “Show me my cat” pulled relevant footage, though notification volume has not yet dropped much.
  • The Home app also adds Matter-based energy reporting, showing current, average and daily kWh use for compatible devices, plus longer-term views across a day, week, month, six months and a year.
  • Apple says HomeKit Secure Video will also support 2K and 4K streams, but that upgrade is not yet live in beta and will depend on camera makers such as Aqara, Eve and Eufy adopting the new specification.
  • The upgrades narrow Apple’s gap with Ring and Google Nest on AI-powered camera features, but Apple Home still lacks some automation options rivals already offer, including camera-event triggers like package-based actions.

Insights

Apple's on-device AI promises ultimate home privacy, but what hidden capabilities are users giving up in return?
As Apple's AI undercuts rivals on price and privacy, can Ring and Google's smart homes still compete?
With AI now summarizing your home life, will it truly simplify security or just create new digital chores?