Smart Home

Apple HomeKit for Arlo Video Doorbell finally launched

Apple HomeKit for Arlo Video Doorbell has been finally launched during CES 2021 via newly introduced firmware versions.

It seems that the Arlo Video Doorbell finally comes with support for Apple HomeKit, the smart home platform from the Cupertino company. The company will do this during CES 2021, without too much fanfare.

Apple HomeKit for Arlo Video Doorbell

For the time being, it also seems to be only the wired version of the smart video doorbell. The manufacturer has on his American website put a complete step-by-step plan online containing everything you want to know about the update and how to use the function. We also saw the same page on the Dutch website, in the form of a link to that article, but unfortunately you end up again on the American version of that page. So it remains to be seen whether we can also expect the update in the different countries of Europe.

If you want to test whether the update is already available, your base station must have at least one of the firmware versions below.

  • VMB5000: 1.14.0.91378e45094
  • VMB4540: 1.15.0.2371f7780e1
  • VMB4500: 1.14.0.22777
  • VMB4000: 1.14.0.22776

Unfortunately, the Arlo Video Doorbell cannot access HomeKit Secure Video. With that option it is possible to immediately upload recorded files to the cloud of iCloud. Of course, Arlo wants you to take out a subscription with the company, so that they can earn extra from customers who want to view their recorded images via the cloud. With the HomeKit integration it is possible to access live images within the Home app. There is also support for automations in your smart home.