Apple and LG are reportedly developing a lineup of smart locks, cameras, thermostats and other accessories designed to work with Apple’s coming smart home hub.
Apple is reportedly working with LG Electronics on a new lineup of smart home accessories including video doorbells; thermostats; smart locks; and security cameras. These products are part of Apple’s broader effort to expand its presence in the smart home market.
The devices are expected to integrate with Apple’s upcoming smart home hub which is reportedly set to launch on October 13 according to TechCrunch. Apple’s new smart home hub will reportedly include a 6-inch square display that can be mounted on a wall or placed on a countertop.
The partnership includes development of security cameras for both indoor and outdoor use as well as floodlight cameras according to a report from iPhone in Canada. Apple and LG are also reportedly working on a smart deadbolt lock; temperature sensor; and a smart thermostat. Although Apple is involved in the development process the products will be branded under the LG name.
LG will also handle manufacturing and customer support for these devices according to sources cited by Bloomberg. This approach allows Apple to grow its smart home ecosystem without taking on the full responsibility of producing each accessory.
The devices are expected to arrive several months after Apple introduces its own new smart home hardware.
The LG accessories will reportedly support technologies including Wi-Fi; Bluetooth; Thread; and Matter. Matter is a protocol that allows different smart home devices to work together across platforms. Apple already supports Matter through devices including the HomePod mini and Apple TV.
The timing of this collaboration comes amid a privacy controversy involving LG smart TVs as Notebookcheck reported. Tests conducted by Gamers Nexus and other researchers found that some LG TVs scanned local networks and could capture microphone audio while appearing to be in standby mode. LG has denied allegations that it improperly uses its smart TVs for surveillance.
The new smart home products are said to include models such as the LG Video Doorbell Wired; LG Floodlight Cam; and LG Smart Thermostat. Regulatory filings have also revealed names including LG Outdoor Cam Plug-In; LG Indoor Cam Plug-In; LG Smart Deadbolt Lock; and LG Temperature Sensor. The products could be announced around Apple’s October 13 smart home rollout although they may not reach consumers for several more months.
Apple’s push into smart home technology is also seen as a way to compete with Amazon’s Ring and other smart home offerings. Sources say that Apple plans to introduce more devices in the future including a privacy-focused home monitoring device and a smart home hub with a robotic arm. The company is also reportedly planning an in-home security monitoring service as part of its broader smart home strategy.
The reported strategy represents a major effort by Apple to strengthen its Apple Home and HomeKit ecosystem.
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