Apple is working on a doorbell that unlocks your door Face ID-style

Ever wished you could unlock your door with just a glance?

Smart locks that unlock your door with a code or thumbprint are common these days, and there are even versions that automatically unlock your door when you get close enough. Apple, though, is taking it a step further.

In his latest Power On newsletter, Apple Insider Mark Gurman reveals that Apple is working on a smart doorbell that unlocks your door through facial recognition — exactly like Face ID on your iPhone. 

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Gurman explained that the technology would probably work with third-party deadbolt locks already on the market (ones that support Apple’s HomeKit, at least), but it’s possible that Apple uses one specific lock maker. The doorbell would run on Apple’s new Proxima wireless chip and secure enclave that processes sensitive information in a separate place.

Unfortunately, you shouldn’t expect it to be hitting stores anytime soon. The absolute earliest this device would be available, Gurman says, is the end of 2025, and that’s if it makes it to market. While smart locks are extremely secure, incidents do happen. The potential of being associated with car accidents was something executives “dreaded” when Apple’s now-dead vehicle  was in the works, so the notion of being associated with break-ins may give the company pause.

Apple would be joining a very crowded market that’s dominated by names like Ring and Blink but is also filled with offerings from Eufy, Roku, and Arlo. I. It wouldn’t even be the only one offering facial recognition.

Also: The best Ring doorbells

The Lockly Visage Zeno Series, which ZDNET’s Maria Diaz tested a few months ago, scans the face of anyone approaching and automatically unlocks your door for approved people. While details on Apple’s device are scarce for now, Lockly’s lock uses “binocular facial recognition,” or two cameras at once, to scan your face in 3D. This means it won’t unlock with just a photo or a cell phone picture of the right face.

Yale also makes a version, the Luna Pro+, but that’s not available in the US just yet.