Arlo Ultra security camera gains HomeKit support

Arlo is continuing to roll out its support for HomeKit in its devices, with compatibility with Apple's smart home platform now included in its Ultra security camera systems that pair with the Arlo SmartHub.

The Arlo Ultra security camera was previously able to be controlled by Arlo's companion app, but the addition of HomeKit support enables it to be controlled from within Apple's Home app on iPhone and iPad. The change is being made through an automatic firmware update that is free of charge and rolling out to all Ultra users.

Under HomeKit, users can receive movement notifications from the camera through the Home app. Along with being able to summon the live feed from the app, it is also possible to ask Siri to show the feed, allowing it to be viewed in a hands-free way.

HomeKit automations can also take advantage of the camera's capabilities, such as by triggering lights to switch on at certain times if motion is detected.

The addition of HomeKit support to the Arlo Ultra follows similar integration with other hardware from the manufacturer, including the Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 systems in August. The recently-launched Arlo Video Doorbell does not have HomeKit support, and the company has yet to advise on when it will arrive, if at all.

The Arlo Ultra offers a 4K-resolution video with color night vision, wire-free setup, a 180-degree field of view, spotlight, and two-way audio with noise cancellation.

The system starts from $399 for a one-camera setup, including a one-year subscription to Arlo Smart Premier, which provides 30-day rolling storage of cloud recordings and personalized detection of people, vehicles, and packages.

17 Comments

eji 38 comments · 20 Years

About 5 years ago

Arlo users, what's your experience with these devices? Good, bad, indifferent?

I'm looking to replace a couple of EZVIZ 1080p Minis. For cheap cameras, they've worked surprisingly well, but I'd like something with a bit more placement flexibility (which the Arlo's battery power offers) and HomeKit integration.

hmurchison 11823 comments · 23 Years

Are we ever going to get a "real" camera system the supports HomeKit? I'm talking PoE Bullets or Domes?

mike1 3431 comments · 10 Years

eji said:

Arlo users, what's your experience with these devices? Good, bad, indifferent?

I'm looking to replace a couple of EZVIZ 1080p Minis. For cheap cameras, they've worked surprisingly well, but I'd like something with a bit more placement flexibility (which the Arlo's battery power offers) and HomeKit integration.

I've been using an Arlo Q for a well over a year now and mostly it has worked pretty well. It is AC only, not battery powered. Wish they would add HomeKit compatibility to this model.Only issue I sometimes have is that the camera seems to lose video connection remotely. I can change settings, but just no video. My work around was to connect to a Wemo outlet, so I can reboot the camera when that happens.

Kuyangkoh 838 comments · 7 Years

Homekit integrating of Arlo Pro was a disaster....until now they cant fixed my 7 camera systems. So thier own apps works perfect but homekit is a joke

StrangeDays 12959 comments · 8 Years

hmurchison said:

Are we ever going to get a "real" camera system the supports HomeKit? I'm talking PoE Bullets or Domes?

I would love this, but I think the challenge may that PoE cameras don’t have onboard controllers, processing capacity, etc. They’re just IP endpoints that feed into another system, such as a DVR or a computer or NAS server where the brains reside.

One of these days I’m going to pull the trigger on a Synology NAS and purchase their security camera software component.