Apple is expanding its smart home ecosystem through a partnership with LG Electronics. The companies are collaborating on a range of devices, including smart doorbells, thermostats, smart locks, and various security cameras. These products will be branded as LG, with the Korean manufacturer handling production and technical support.
The new hardware will integrate with Apple's smart home hub, updated HomePod mini, and new Apple TV models. The devices support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread, and Matter protocols. Notably, the smart lock features Ultra-Wideband technology for automatic unlocking. LG has already begun filing certification applications with the FCC and UL Solutions.
This strategy allows Apple to expand its ecosystem while offloading manufacturing and support costs. Apple retains control over design, engineering, and feature customization. While Apple reportedly plans to announce new devices on October 13, the LG-branded accessories are expected to reach consumers in several months.
This initiative marks a renewed effort by Apple to compete in the smart home market against established players like Amazon's Ring and Google's Nest. Apple also intends to introduce its own proprietary devices, including a smart home hub with a robotic arm and a new home security service, leveraging its Siri AI assistant.
