Apple and LG reportedly develop Matter-compatible smart home devices
Developing story first seen 2 hours ago
New reporting says Apple and LG are developing a broader range of smart home devices, adding an outdoor camera and a floodlight camera to the products previously reported. The expansion matters because it points to a wider Apple HomeKit reboot, with devices expected to connect to Apple’s anticipated smart home hub.
The reported line-up includes a video doorbell, thermostat, indoor and outdoor cameras, floodlight camera and deadbolt lock, all carrying LG branding. Several devices are said to support Thread and Matter; the lock may use ultra-wideband to unlock as its owner approaches. Apple is expected to unveil a Siri-enabled hub with a six-inch display on 13 October, possibly alongside a new HomePod mini and upgraded Apple TV.
- Apple and LG reportedly plan a wider smart home range.
- New reports add outdoor and floodlight cameras.
- Several devices may support Matter and Thread.
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Smart home devices are internet-connected products that let people control their homes remotely, such as locks, thermostats, cameras and doorbells, using their phones or voice commands. These devices can make daily life more convenient and help people monitor their homes when away.
For years, smart home devices from different companies have struggled to work well together, forcing people to choose products from a single brand if they wanted everything to function seamlessly. Recently, manufacturers agreed on common technical rules called Matter and Thread that allow devices from different brands to communicate and work together.
Apple has created its own smart home system called HomeKit, and is reportedly working with manufacturer LG to develop new smart home devices for it. Such collaborations help Apple expand the range of products available for HomeKit and make it more attractive compared to rival systems from Google and Amazon.
Full account
Apple has established a development partnership with LG Electronics to create a collection of smart home devices scheduled for announcement and release within the coming weeks. The collaborative venture represents an expansion of Apple's ambitions in domestic automation technology and is expected to be unveiled during the company's October product event.
The partnership encompasses several interconnected devices spanning security, environmental control, and access functions. The planned lineup comprises a video-enabled entrance sensor, programmable thermostat, interior surveillance camera, exterior security camera with integrated floodlight fixture, and an intelligent electronic deadbolt. Unusually, these products will be marketed under LG's corporate identity rather than Apple's branding.
The devices are engineered to support Matter and Thread protocols, aligning with Apple's modernisation initiative for its HomeKit platform. The smart lock incorporates ultra-wideband sensing capabilities, permitting automatic access as authorised users approach their residence. These accessories will operate alongside Apple's centralised hub device—a screen-based interface featuring voice-command functionality that can be wall-mounted or placed on furniture.
The partnership represents a significant strategic pivot for both companies. LG, traditionally anchored in consumer appliances and display panel manufacturing, is broadening into residential automation systems. The collaboration extends LG's existing relationship with Apple, previously encompassing display panel supplies for professional monitors and software integration in television products. A notable distinction exists in availability: LG-branded products face a staggered market introduction spanning several additional months beyond Apple's more immediate product release timescale.
Where outlets differ
Source 2 explicitly distinguishes between Apple product availability and LG product delays of several months; Source 1 presents the announcement as a unified event without timeline differentiation
Source 2 specifies LG's responsibilities for manufacturing and customer support; Source 1 does not address this operational arrangement
Source 2 contextualises the partnership within LG's historical business evolution and previous Apple collaborations; Source 1 focuses primarily on the current initiative
Source 1 emphasises technical capabilities such as ultra-wideband functionality; Source 2 prioritises market timing and strategic implications
Source 2 frames this as a notable directional shift for LG's business focus; Source 1 does not foreground this repositioning aspect
More coverage
- TechCrunch — Apple is reportedly partnering with LG to launch a smart lock, thermostat, and doorbell
- Engadget — Apple reportedly worked with LG on gadgets for its upcoming smart home push
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Originally published by The Verge as “Apple and LG team up on new smart home gear, starting with a lock, doorbell, and thermostat”.