Apple is reportedly working with LG Electronics on a new range of smart home accessories designed to complement its upcoming home hardware and wider Apple Home ecosystem.
According to Bloomberg, LG is developing several new devices
- Smart thermostat, Smart deadbolt
- Temperature sensor,
- Indoor and outdoor security cameras,
- Smart floodlight camera.
Details of the products have started appearing through regulatory filings submitted by LG to the FCC and UL Solutions. Apple isn’t mentioned directly in those documents, and LG has requested that several details remain confidential.
Bloomberg reports that while the products will be manufactured and sold under the LG brand, Apple has been involved in their development. The partnership would allow Apple to rapidly expand the hardware available around Apple Home without having to manufacture and support every accessory itself.
Thread and Matter
Connectivity also appears to be a major focus. Several of the devices reportedly support a combination of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread and Matter, giving them the technologies needed to integrate with modern smart home platforms. The smart lock goes even further with Ultra Wideband, or UWB, which could enable more precise proximity detection and hands-free unlocking using Apple Home Key.
If the reports are true and Apple is working with LG, then this would certainly mean Apple Home support tightly built including Apple Home Key and HomeKit Secure Video.
For example, the LG smart lock could potentially support Apple Home Key, while the cameras and video doorbell could integrate with HomeKit Secure Video. UWB support on the lock could also become particularly interesting as Apple moves towards more advanced proximity-based unlocking technologies.
Apple is expected to unveil its new smart home hub alongside an updated HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K on October 13. However, LG’s accessories reportedly won’t arrive alongside the new Apple hardware, with the first products expected several months later.
If the partnership plays out as reported, LG could effectively provide Apple with a ready-made range of accessories covering security, climate control and sensors. just as Apple prepares for what could be its biggest expansion into the smart home yet.
