Apple and LG Reportedly Develop Smart Home Doorbell, Lock and Cameras
And LG Electronics are preparing a broad range of connected-home accessories, including a video doorbell, smart lock and security cameras, according to...
Apple and LG Electronics are preparing a broad range of connected-home accessories, including a video doorbell, smart lock and security cameras, according to reports citing Bloomberg. The products are expected to work with Apple’s upcoming smart home hub, giving the company a wider hardware lineup while LG handles manufacturing and customer support.
The reported lineup also includes a thermostat, indoor and outdoor cameras, and a floodlight camera. The devices would carry LG branding, though Apple is said to have helped shape their design and features. LG has sought regulatory approval for products in recent weeks, according to Bloomberg’s reporting.
A wider HomeKit ecosystem
The collaboration signals a renewed push by Apple into connected-home hardware. Bloomberg has described the effort as a formal reboot of HomeKit, Apple’s smart-home platform. The accessories are intended to complement a new hub that has been in development for several years.
Reports also point to an upgraded HomePod mini and a new TV set-top box as part of the broader system. The exact product details and availability have not been announced by Apple or LG. One report said the LG accessories would not reach stores for at least a few months.
For Apple, working with a supplier on branded accessories could expand its smart-home range without requiring it to manage every product’s production and support. LG, meanwhile, would put its name on the hardware and take responsibility for those operations, while Apple contributes to engineering and product design, according to the reports.
Launch timing remains unconfirmed
One report said Apple could unveil the devices on October 13, but neither company has confirmed a launch date. Regulatory filings cited in coverage include names such as the LG Video Doorbell Wired and LG Smart Thermostat. The filings do not mention Apple.
The reported products would put Apple-compatible options into categories already served by established smart-home brands, including doorbells, thermostats and home security cameras. For now, the key open questions are pricing, final specifications and when the LG-branded devices will be available.
Source: bloomberg.com
