Apple Inc. has announced an unusual partnership with LG Electronics Inc. to develop smart home devices including a doorbell, thermostat, and various accessories. According to reports from Bloomberg News, the collaboration includes co-developing accessories such as a video doorbell, smart thermostat, indoor and outdoor security cameras, a floodlight camera, and a smart deadbolt lock. While Apple helped direct design and engineering, the hardware will carry LG's branding, with the South Korean electronics firm handling manufacturing and ongoing product service. The partnership utilizes a strategy Apple has previously employed with companies like Belkin and Logitech, allowing Apple to rapidly build an ecosystem around its platform without taking on direct manufacturing or customer support costs. Sources tell Bloomberg that this represents a 'second-party' development arrangement between the two companies.
The LG-developed accessories include a smart deadbolt lock, indoor security camera, outdoor security camera, and floodlight camera. As reported by Bloomberg News, regulatory filings with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and certification organization UL Solutions show LG recently sought approval for the new hardware lineup. Public databases list products including the LG Video Doorbell Wired, LG Smart Thermostat, LG Smart Deadbolt Lock, and multiple camera models. The LG smart lock is also set to feature ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, enabling automatic unlocking functionality as a user approaches their door. This arrangement follows Apple's previous strategy of working with companies like Foxconn Technology Group's Belkin and Logitech International SA to develop products that sell under other brands.
According to regulatory filings reported by Bloomberg News, many of the devices include support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networks, as well as Thread and Matter - two smart home protocols embraced by Apple and its rivals. The door lock also supports UWB (ultra-wideband capability), which allows for auto-unlocking when users approach their door. The filings include products labeled 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. The co-developed LG accessories will integrate into Apple's broader smart home hub strategy and work alongside upcoming Apple-branded hardware.
For Apple, this new home ecosystem and devices will mark a formal reboot of HomeKit, a platform launched in 2014 that has gained little traction compared with offerings from Amazon.com Inc. and Alphabet Inc.'s Google. As reported by Bloomberg News, Apple aims to use its smart home devices and Siri AI assistant to breathe new life into the category, with the company planning additional offerings including a privacy-centric home-monitoring device and in-home security monitoring service. The new smart home hub is expected to launch on October 13, 2026 alongside the LG devices, featuring a 6-inch square display that can be placed on a countertop or mounted on a wall. The devices will reportedly carry the LG brand despite being developed by both companies, representing a strategic move to compete directly with Amazon's Ring and Google's Nest in the smart home market.
The broader smart home push is expected to coincide with Apple's planned October 13, 2026 event, where the company is reportedly preparing to introduce its new home hub alongside an updated HomePod mini and Apple TV. However, the LG-developed accessories are not expected to be available immediately. Reports indicate that consumers may have to wait until early 2027 before the new hardware reaches the market. Apple's move would place it in more direct competition with established smart home platforms, particularly Amazon's Ring ecosystem, which already offers products such as doorbells, security cameras and other connected-home devices. The partnership would represent a significant change in Apple's approach to the smart home, rather than producing every category of accessory itself, Apple could use its software, ecosystem and device-integration expertise while relying on LG's manufacturing capabilities and established hardware business.
