Apple is significantly expanding its footprint in the smart home market through a new collaboration with LG Electronics. The partnership aims to introduce a wide array of connected home devices, moving beyond Apple's traditional hardware offerings like HomePod and Apple TV.
New Devices Under the LG Brand
According to a Bloomberg report, the Cupertino tech giant is working with LG to develop several smart home products. These accessories, expected to carry the LG brand, will include a video doorbell, a smart deadbolt lock, a thermostat, a temperature sensor, and various security cameras, such as indoor, outdoor, and floodlight models.
Under the terms of the reported collaboration, LG will manage the manufacturing and product support, while Apple will contribute to the design, feature set, and engineering aspects. This strategy allows Apple to broaden its smart home ecosystem without taking on the full manufacturing burden for every single product.
Regulatory Filings and Connectivity
LG has already sought regulatory approvals for some of these devices through the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and UL Solutions. While these filings do not explicitly mention Apple's involvement, LG has requested confidentiality for product images and detailed information until early next year.
The upcoming devices are anticipated to support a range of modern connectivity standards, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread, and Matter. Notably, the smart lock is also expected to incorporate ultra-wideband technology, potentially enabling automatic unlocking when an authorized user is in close proximity.
Broader HomeKit Strategy and Future Plans
These LG-made accessories are designed to integrate seamlessly with Apple's evolving smart home strategy. They are expected to complement Apple's forthcoming smart home hub, a refreshed HomePod mini, and a new Apple TV, which are reportedly slated for introduction on October 13. However, the LG-branded devices are not expected to hit the market for several months following these announcements.
The collaboration signals a broader reboot for Apple's HomeKit strategy. The company is also reportedly exploring other innovative products, such as a privacy-focused home-monitoring device, a hub featuring a robotic arm, and a dedicated in-home security monitoring service, hinting at a comprehensive push into the connected living space.