Apple and LG Collaborate on Seven Smart Home Devices
Bloomberg reports that Apple and LG Electronics have joined forces to develop seven smart home devices, which will be sold under the LG brand. These include a video doorbell, thermostat, smart deadbolt lock, and three security cameras.
Details from Filings
According to US regulatory filings, the devices are:
- LG Video Doorbell Wired
- LG Floodlight Cam
- LG Outdoor Cam Plug-In
- LG Indoor Cam Plug-In
- LG Smart Deadbolt Lock
- LG Smart Thermostat
- LG Temperature Sensor
None of these filings mentions Apple, and LG has requested that certain details, including photos and specifications, remain confidential until early next year.
Technical Features
Many of the devices support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread, and Matter. The smart lock features ultra-wideband (UWB) technology for secure locking mechanisms. LG will manufacture the products and handle customer support, while Apple will contribute to design and engineering. This co-development strategy is unusual for Apple, as noted by Mark Gurman on X.
Apple's HomeKit Reboot
This partnership marks a significant reboot of Apple’s HomeKit platform, launched in 2014, which has struggled against competitors like Amazon and Google. The new devices will compete directly with Amazon’s Ring and Google’s Nest. Apple is also introducing a dedicated smart home hub with a display, privacy-focused monitors, and an in-home security service.
LG's Participation
For LG, this collaboration offers its first indoor camera in nearly a decade and its first smart lock sold outside South Korea. The companies have a longstanding partnership, with LG Display providing screens for Apple products and LG’s smart TVs featuring Apple’s services. Their previous co-development efforts include monitors for Apple’s laptops.
Darius Popa, a Technology enthusiast and intern at The Next Web, contributed to this report.