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Apple and LG team up on new smart home gear, starting with a lock, doorbell, and thermostat
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Apple is teaming up with LG Electronics to develop a new lineup of smart home products, including a video doorbell, thermostat, and deadbolt lock, according to a report from Bloomberg. The collaboration is described as a "second-party" development arrangement, meaning LG will manufacture the hardware while it carries LG branding. The devices are designed to integrate with Apple's rumored smart home hub, which is expected to be unveiled during an event on October 13th. This partnership marks one of Apple's most ambitious pushes into the smart home hardware market to date.
Apple has long been working to expand its presence in the connected home space, and the collaboration with LG signals a new strategic direction. Rather than building every product in-house, Apple appears to be leveraging LG's manufacturing expertise while retaining control over software integration. The approach mirrors how Apple has partnered with other companies in the past to accelerate hardware development timelines. By spreading development across a trusted partner, Apple can bring a broader range of devices to market more quickly.
The upcoming product range extends well beyond a lock and doorbell, according to Bloomberg's reporting. Sources familiar with the plans say the lineup also includes an indoor camera, an outdoor security camera, and a floodlight camera. Several of these devices will reportedly support the Thread and Matter smart home protocols, which have become industry standards for cross-device compatibility. The deadbolt lock is said to include ultra-wideband technology, enabling it to automatically unlock as a user approaches their door.
These protocol updates are part of a broader "formal reboot" for Apple's HomeKit platform, which has faced criticism for limited device support compared to rivals. Support for Thread and Matter would allow Apple's ecosystem to work more seamlessly with third-party smart home accessories. This shift could significantly lower the barrier for consumers who want to build a unified smart home setup. It also positions Apple to compete more effectively against Amazon and Google in the connected home arena.
At the heart of the strategy is Apple's rumored smart home hub, which Bloomberg previously reported will feature a six-inch display. Users will reportedly be able to mount the device on a wall or place it on a table, and it will come powered by Siri with AI capabilities. The hub is expected to serve as the central control point for the new LG-produced accessories. Apple may also use the October event to reveal a refreshed HomePod mini and an upgraded Apple TV device.
Industry observers say the timing of the announcement is significant, as consumers increasingly demand simpler, more integrated smart home solutions. By pairing recognizable hardware with Apple's software ecosystem, the company could attract buyers who have so far hesitated to commit to a single platform. If the October 13th event confirms the product lineup, it would represent Apple's most comprehensive smart home strategy yet. The collaboration with LG suggests Apple is prepared to invest heavily in competing for the connected home market.
