Affiliate Disclosure
If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Read our ethics policy.

Ring ships Apple-compatible Video Doorbell 2, says HomeKit coming to other accessories

Ring on Monday launched the Video Doorbell 2, a Mac-, iPhone-, and iPad-compatible smarthome accessory that makes several key upgrades over its predecessor.

The new model records in 1080p instead of 720p, and offers better infrared night vision, according to Ring. Also new is a removable, rechargeable battery pack for owners who can't use wired power — the original Doorbell required people wanting to recharge to take the entire device inside every 6 to 12 months.

The Doorbell 2 has a 160-degree field of view, with a 180-degree horizontal motion detection angle. It also sports two-way audio, and swappable faceplates for matching different home exteriors.

For video streaming, the device relies on 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and companion apps for iOS, Mac, Android, and Windows 10. It doesn't yet support Apple's HomeKit, although Ring says other products — the Pro and the Floodlight Cam — should gain support by the end of the year.

That's likely possible because of recently-announced HomeKit changes, specifically support for software-based authentication. The new policy will allow some existing devices to gain HomeKit through firmware updates.

Watch the Latest from AppleInsider TV

Ring is selling the Video Doorbell 2 for $199. The product offers live streaming and security alerts by default, but cloud video storage costs $30 per year for an individual camera, or $100 per year for unlimited cameras.



20 Comments

cleger 13 Years · 17 comments

I Bought the Ring Pro the day it was announced it would support Homekit by the end of the year back in June of 2016... The Ring Forums kept promising by the end of the year, until the end of the year came and then they promised first part of 2017, til that passed now were promised end of 2017. So will we actually get homekit support, no body knows...

3 Likes · 0 Dislikes
dachar 12 Years · 330 comments

cleger said:
I Bought the Ring Pro the day it was announced it would support Homekit by the end of the year back in June of 2016... The Ring Forums kept promising by the end of the year, until the end of the year came and then they promised first part of 2017, til that passed now were promised end of 2017. So will we actually get homekit support, no body knows...

It was a very similar situation with the Tado HomeKit compatible heating hub. After more than a year of delays the company sent me a letter of apology with a chocolate bar. Finiallly the Tado HomeKit hub is apparently available but l am still waiting to receive it.

1 Like · 0 Dislikes
bestkeptsecret 14 Years · 4297 comments

It reminds me of the iPod Nano.

1 Like · 0 Dislikes
512ke 20 Years · 781 comments

Good. This very high end doorbell will be able to video the person who steals it. 

Rayz2016 9 Years · 6957 comments

512ke said:
Good. This very high end doorbell will be able to video the person who steals it. 

Mmm. Yes. 

Is this the first doorbell with a yearly subscription?