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Apple is developing the products, but LG will carry the brand, manufacture and support them. The reported lineup includes a video doorbell, smart thermostat, deadbolt lock, temperature sensor and multiple security cameras, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
The collaboration has been described as a “formal reboot of HomeKit”. The reported lineup includes the LG Video Doorbell Wired, LG Floodlight Cam, LG Outdoor Cam Plug-In, LG Indoor Cam Plug-In, LG Smart Deadbolt Lock, LG Smart Thermostat and LG Temperature Sensor. While Apple and LG are said to have worked together on the accessories, the products will be branded as LG devices. Bloomberg says LG is also handling their manufacturing and product support. LG has recently sought regulatory approval for the products from the US Federal Communications Commission and UL Solutions. LG may soon expand its smart home portfolio. The South Korean company is reportedly working with Apple on a range of connected home accessories that will integrate with Apple’s upcoming smart home ecosystem. Several devices are expected to support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread, and Matter, while the smart lock could use ultra-wideband (UWB) for proximity-based features such as automatic unlocking. However, the products are not expected to reach consumers for at least a few more months. The report claims that Apple and LG have been working together on a series of connected home products designed to complement Apple’s upcoming smart home hub. Filings from the two organisations can include product names, specifications, features, and drawings, although LG has requested that photos and more detailed information remain confidential until early next year. However, the filings do not mention Apple’s involvement.
What Apple gains from the partnership
The company is not traditionally known for accessories such as smart locks and security cameras, although it acquired a majority stake in smart home platform Homey in 2024. Apple and LG have worked together on several other products and components. The reported arrangement could allow Apple to expand its smart home ecosystem without having to manufacture and support every accessory itself. Apple can reportedly help shape the products’ design, features and engineering while LG handles manufacturing and support. This gives Apple a way to broaden the range of devices compatible with its home ecosystem while keeping much of the development process under wraps. The reported collaboration comes as Apple prepares to expand its smart home push with a new smart home hub, an updated Apple TV and a new HomePod mini. However, the LG-made accessories are not expected to launch alongside those products. Bloomberg reports that they could take at least a few more months to reach consumers. Several of the reported LG accessories will support common smart home connectivity standards, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread and Matter. The smart deadbolt lock is also said to include UWB support. This could enable proximity-based functions, including automatically unlocking the door when an authorised device is nearby. The reported lineup would give Apple a broader range of connected home accessories covering security, climate control and access. The partnership would also mark a broader push into the smart home market for LG.
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LG Display supplies panels used in Apple devices, while the two companies previously collaborated on LG UltraFine 4K and 5K monitors designed for Macs. Apple is also reportedly exploring additional smart home products, including a privacy-focused home monitoring device, a smart home hub with a screen mounted on a robotic arm and an in-home security monitoring service.