Apple and LG are codeveloping a new line of connected smart home accessories, including security cameras, smart locks, and thermostats, to support an upcoming HomeKit reboot and a new smart home hub, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported. The devices will carry the LG brand at retail and are scheduled to reach consumers within the next few months.
LG Manufactures Second-Party Accessories for Apple Ecosystem
Apple is partnering with LG to build a second-party hardware ecosystem designed to expand its smart home offerings without absorbing the full engineering and manufacturing overhead. Gurman reported that LG is handling product support and manufacturing while working alongside Apple to shape the industrial design and feature sets. The accessories may be sold through Apple’s retail channels and are tailored specifically to operate within the Apple Home architecture. PCMag noted that the devices are part of a broader push by Apple to compete with established smart home platforms like Amazon Echo and Google Home.
Regulatory Filings Reveal New Doorbell and Camera Specifications
Recent filings with the US Federal Communications Commission and UL Solutions uncovered detailed product plans submitted by LG. Documents retrieved from these databases list an LG Video Doorbell Wired, LG Floodlight Cam, LG Outdoor Cam Plug-In, and an LG Indoor Cam Plug-In. Additional filings confirm plans for an LG Smart Deadbolt Lock, an LG Smart Thermostat, and an LG Temperature Sensor. Many of these connected devices support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread, and Matter protocols. The smart lock incorporates ultra-wideband technology to enable proximity-based features such as automatic door unlocking.
Apple Smart Home Hub Launch Timing and Upcoming Hardware
The LG-manufactured accessories arrive alongside Apple’s own planned hardware releases. Apple is preparing to introduce a dedicated smart home hub featuring a square display, an updated Apple TV, and a new HomePod mini. While Apple plans to announce its own home hub hardware soon, Bloomberg reported that the LG-branded accessories will not actually reach consumers for at least a few more months. LG requested that precise product photographs and technical drawings remain confidential in regulatory databases until early next year.
LG Develops Apple Smart Home Accessories
When will the LG-developed Apple home accessories be available to buy?
Bloomberg reported that the devices are not expected to reach consumers for at least a few more months, with regulatory filings keeping specific product imagery confidential until early next year.
Which specific smart home devices are included in the partnership?
Regulatory filings with the FCC and UL Solutions reveal a wired video doorbell, indoor and outdoor security cameras including a floodlight model, a smart deadbolt lock, a smart thermostat, and a temperature sensor.
What wireless connectivity standards do the new accessories support?
The devices support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread, and Matter protocols, with the smart lock also featuring ultra-wideband technology for proximity-based door unlocking.
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