Apple Enters Smart Home Camera Market with Exclusive Assembly Supplier Goertek, Poised for Tens of Millions of Units per Year
In a move that signals Apple's entry into the highly competitive smart home IP camera market, the tech giant has reportedly partnered with Goertek to be its exclusive assembly supplier. According to sources, mass production is expected to begin by 2026, with Apple aiming for annual shipments of tens of millions of units.
The partnership comes as no surprise, given Apple's long-standing interest in expanding its smart home offerings. However, the company has been tight-lipped about the project until now. With Goertek on board, customers can expect seamless integration between the new smart home cameras and other Apple products within the ecosystem.
Moreover, Apple is gearing up to bolster its position in the wearables market by positioning AirPods as health management devices. Building on the success of the Apple Watch, AirPods are expected to gain new health-focused features starting from 2026. Industry forecasts predict a significant surge in sales, with projected growth from 48 million units in 2023 to 68 million by 2026.
The strategic move aims to solidify Apple's position in both the smart home and wearables markets. The partnership also marks an improvement in Goertek's relationship with Apple, having previously faced supply chain issues that resulted in lost significant orders. As of the second half of 2024, the company has normalized its supply chain dynamics.
Industry sources note that the global IP camera shipments are expected to reach around 30-40 million units per year, providing a promising yet competitive environment for Apple's new smart home initiative. With Goertek as its exclusive assembly supplier, Apple is well-positioned to take on the market and further strengthen its presence in emerging technologies.
**Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to unfold!