Effectively, other HSV-compatible cameras have the option of complete privacy, but users need to proactively enable this. An Apple camera offers a complete privacy guarantee right out of the box. (Of course, Apple could also play hardball, and decline to offer HSV support to future competing cameras, but I’d hope it wouldn’t go that far.)

It appears Apple’s rumored push into the smart home will include an Apple smart security camera. Supply-chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports the company is planning to start production of a smart home IP camera in 2026 and aims to sell over 10 million units a year.

That said, the native integration Apple would offer might be well worth it for many customers. Both of Amazon's smart camera brands — Blink and Ring — don't currently integrate with Apple HomeKit, and I think the launch of smart Apple cams could cause Blink and Ring sales to drop drastically, despite the potential price difference.