Apple’s new HomeView smart display could become more than just a smart home control centre, with software discoveries suggesting the device may also function as a home security camera.

References uncovered in HomeView Software 27.2 indicate Apple could be preparing to introduce motion detection, live video streaming and recording capabilities through its HomeKit Secure Video platform.

The findings were first spotted by a Reddit user and subsequently reported by The Verge and Digital Trends.

HomeView already features a built-in camera designed for FaceTime video calls and facial recognition, but the latest discovery suggests Apple could expand its capabilities to include home surveillance.

According to the software references, users may be able to customise how the camera operates, including switching it off completely, enabling motion detection without recording, or allowing live streaming and video recording.

The system could also automatically adjust its settings depending on whether household members are at home, away or asleep.

For example, the display could begin monitoring and recording activity when a house is empty before automatically disabling recording when someone returns.

Apple also appears to be considering privacy safeguards, including a green indicator light and audible alerts to notify people whenever the camera is activated or recording begins.

Household members could also receive notifications when camera settings are modified.

The potential functionality could extend beyond conventional home security, allowing HomeView to operate as a baby monitor or pet camera.

It could also complement a more advanced version of HomeView reportedly under development.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has previously reported that Apple is working on a premium smart display featuring a roughly 9-inch screen mounted on a robotic arm capable of rotating in different directions.

Such a design could allow the camera to follow activity or monitor different parts of a room, potentially making it more versatile than a conventional fixed-position security camera.

Adding surveillance capabilities would also put HomeView in more direct competition with smart home devices from Amazon and Google, which already offer camera-equipped displays and home monitoring features.

However, the functionality has not been activated in the current HomeView software, and Apple has yet to confirm whether it plans to introduce the security camera features or when they might become available.