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Apple’s new indoor camera is the LG Indoor Cam Plug-In, an LG Electronics device integrated into Apple Home Collection rather than an Apple-manufactured product. Apple lists a U.S. starting price of US$199.95 and says the collection will launch in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom in December 2026. Its standout privacy feature is physical: when a configured privacy trigger occurs, the camera tilts downward so the lens points at the floor.
What the camera is—and who makes it
The LG Indoor Cam Plug-In combines LG hardware with Apple’s Home software and privacy architecture. Apple describes it as part of a Home Collection designed with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric. Setup and control take place in Apple’s Home app; Apple says no separate app or vendor account is required.
That distinction matters. Calling it an “Apple camera” would be inaccurate: LG Electronics is the named camera collaborator, while Apple supplies the ecosystem integration, automation tools, and Home security model.
How the physical privacy mode works
The lens points at the floor
When the camera is configured not to monitor, its body can tilt downward until the lens faces the floor. The trigger can be a household-presence automation, such as a family member arriving home, or a schedule set in Apple Home.
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This is a visible mechanical action rather than only a software promise. Someone in the room can see that the lens is no longer aimed at the living space. However, Apple’s published material does not establish that no frame can ever be captured before the tilt completes, so the movement should be treated as a privacy signal and control, not an absolute guarantee about every instant of operation.
Automations are configurable
Users can configure the camera’s behavior around presence and schedules in Apple Home. A household could allow monitoring while away and set the camera to turn down when a resident arrives, or use a recurring schedule for specific hours.
Apple’s privacy and processing model
Apple says camera footage and personal data in the Home app are end-to-end encrypted and never accessible to Apple, LG Electronics, or Schneider Electric. Processing is performed locally on the customer’s Apple Home hub or through Apple’s Private Cloud Compute, according to Apple’s product information.
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For users who enable iCloud+, encrypted event footage can be stored for 10 days. Apple says the data remains end-to-end encrypted, meaning the storage option does not give Apple access to view the recordings.
What iCloud+ adds
HomeKit Secure Video event history requires an iCloud+ subscription. Apple lists these camera allowances by iCloud+ storage tier:
| iCloud+ capacity | Camera allowance | Included history |
|---|---|---|
| 50GB | One camera | Up to 10 days of encrypted event footage |
| 200GB | Up to five cameras | Up to 10 days of encrypted event footage |
| 2TB | Unlimited cameras | Up to 10 days of encrypted event footage |
The announcement identifies storage capacities and camera limits but does not state iCloud+ subscription prices in the product information available for this launch.
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Recognition and viewing features
With supported iCloud+ service, compatible cameras can recognize people, familiar faces, pets, packages, and vehicles in recorded events. Apple’s HomeView can display up to nine camera feeds at once, which is useful for households combining several indoor or outdoor cameras.
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Price, launch timing, and availability
| Detail | Apple’s announced information |
|---|---|
| Product | LG Indoor Cam Plug-In |
| Starting price | US$199.95 in the United States |
| Launch regions | United States, Canada, and United Kingdom |
| Launch date | December 2026 |
| Product type | Indoor camera |
US$199.95 is a starting price, so the final price can vary by configuration, taxes, or market. December 2026 is announced availability, not evidence that the camera is currently in stock or that retailer listings are already open.
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Compatibility and account requirements
- Apple Home: The camera is managed through the Apple Home app and is designed for Apple Home automations.
- Home hub: Apple says processing can occur on a customer’s Apple Home hub or in Private Cloud Compute.
- Separate vendor account: Apple says setup does not require a separate app or account.
- iCloud+: Required for HomeKit Secure Video event history and its encrypted 10-day retention.
- Matter: Apple’s Home Collection is presented alongside Matter-compatible smart-home accessories, but the supplied product information does not specify the LG camera’s complete Matter feature set.
What to check before buying
- Confirm that the December 2026 launch date and regional availability cover your country.
- Check that your home has a compatible Apple Home hub if you want the advertised local-processing features and automations.
- Choose an iCloud+ tier based on the number of cameras you plan to use: one, up to five, or unlimited.
- Decide whether the physical downward tilt suits the room. It provides an obvious privacy state, but it is not a published guarantee that no image is captured during the movement.
- Verify the final retail price and any regional requirements when sales open; Apple has announced only the U.S. starting price.
How it differs from a conventional indoor camera
Most indoor cameras offer software controls such as disabling recording or closing a digital shutter. The LG Indoor Cam Plug-In adds a mechanical response that changes where the lens is aimed. Its other differentiators are Apple Home control without a separate vendor account, Apple’s stated end-to-end encryption, local or Private Cloud Compute processing, and optional iCloud+ event history.
The trade-off is ecosystem dependence: the strongest features—HomeKit Secure Video history, recognition categories, and Apple Home automations—are tied to Apple hardware and services. Buyers outside that ecosystem may not receive the same value from the $199.95 starting price.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the LG Indoor Cam Plug-In made by Apple?
No. It is LG Electronics hardware designed for integration with Apple Home Collection; Apple provides the Home software and privacy architecture.
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Does the camera really turn away when someone is home?
Yes, when configured for a presence or scheduled privacy automation, the camera can tilt downward so its lens faces the floor.
When can I buy it?
Apple says the Home Collection will launch in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom in December 2026. Current stock is not established by that announcement.
Do I need iCloud+?
You need iCloud+ for HomeKit Secure Video event history. Apple lists 50GB for one camera, 200GB for up to five, and 2TB for unlimited cameras.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
