Apple and LG Reportedly Co-Developing Smart Lock, Doorbell and Thermostat
Bloomberg reports Apple and LG have co-developed a line of LG-branded smart home devices, including a deadbolt, video doorbell and thermostat, tied to a HomeKit reboot.
Apple is working with LG on a new family of connected home products, according to a Bloomberg report picked up by The Verge and 9to5Mac. The devices would sit alongside Apple's long-rumored smart home hub and are described as part of "a formal reboot of HomeKit." The report comes from Bloomberg's sources. The material provided here doesn't include confirmation from either company.
What the report says is coming
According to Bloomberg, the lineup includes a video doorbell, a thermostat, a smart deadbolt lock, an indoor security camera, an outdoor security camera and a floodlight camera. Regulatory filings also list an LG temperature sensor.
The devices will reportedly carry the LG brand even though Apple helped develop them. LG is said to be handling manufacturing and product support.
On connectivity, many of the products are said to support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread and Matter. The lock reportedly adds ultra-wideband (UWB), which could let it unlock automatically when a user approaches the door.
How the filings surfaced
The story gained traction because LG has recently sought regulatory approval for the products. Filings with the US Federal Communications Commission and the certification firm UL Solutions list items such as 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.
LG reportedly asked that photos and more precise details stay confidential until early next year. According to 9to5Mac, the filings don't mention Apple at all. The Verge published FCC diagrams for the thermostat and the deadbolt.
Why Apple would do it this way
9to5Mac describes the setup as a "second-party" arrangement. It lets Apple expand its ecosystem quickly without taking on the full cost and complexity of making and supporting many accessories. Apple can still help shape the design, tailor the features and oversee the engineering, while keeping the work largely under wraps.
The wider Apple plan
Bloomberg has reported that Apple is building a Siri AI-enabled hub with a six-inch display that can be mounted on a wall or placed on a table. Apple is expected to show it at an event on October 13, according to The Verge. It may appear alongside a new HomePod mini and an upgraded Apple TV.
Bloomberg also says Apple is planning further offerings. These include a privacy-focused home-monitoring device, a version of the hub with a screen on a robotic arm, and an in-home security monitoring service.
What it means for you
If you use HomeKit, the report suggests more accessory choices are on the way, though not immediately. The LG devices aren't expected to reach consumers for at least a few more months, and no prices have been reported.
Support for Matter and Thread should matter if you want a mix of brands in one home. The key date to watch is the rumored October 13 event, where Apple could say more about its hub and the wider plan.
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Quick answers
Will the devices say Apple on them?
According to Bloomberg, no. The products will carry the LG brand, with LG handling manufacturing and support.
When can you buy the LG smart home devices?
Not soon. Bloomberg says they aren't expected to reach consumers for at least a few more months, and no prices have been reported.
What would the smart lock do differently?
It reportedly includes ultra-wideband technology. That could allow it to unlock automatically when you get close to your door.
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