Apple has been preparing a big entry into the smart home space for a while. Back in August, code in macOS Tahoe 26.7 revealed a home hub, a new HomePod mini, a security camera and a new homeOS. Now a new report says Apple is also teaming up with LG on a whole range of smart home accessories.
Apple and LG to Co-Develop 7 Smart Home Products
As per Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple and LG have been co-developing seven smart home devices behind the scenes. They will reportedly be sold under the LG brand and are said to support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread, and Matter.
Here is what each of those products will be and their function:
| Device | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Video Doorbell Wired | Shows who's at the door |
| Smart Deadbolt Lock | Unlocks automatically when the iPhone is nearby via UWB |
| Smart Thermostat | Controls home heating and cooling |
| Temperature Sensor | Measures room temperature for smarter climate control |
| Indoor Cam Plug-In | Indoor security camera |
| Outdoor Cam Plug-In | Outdoor security camera |
| Floodlight Cam | Outdoor camera with a built-in floodlight |
Of all, the most interesting device on the list is the Smart Deadbolt Lock. It reportedly uses UWB (Ultra Wideband), the same tech that powers Apple AirTag's precision finding. With UWB, the lock will be able to tell how close the iPhone is.
This will help it automatically unlock as users walk up to their door. This could eliminate the need to take out the phone from the pocket or tap it to unlock the deadbolt. Apple already supports a similar hands-free unlock feature with some third-party locks through Apple HomeKey.
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Apple Is Relying on LG to Build the Devices
Gurman says that LG will manufacture the devices and handle customer support. Apparently, LG has already filed for regulatory approvals with the FCC and UL Solutions in recent weeks.
The brand has also asked for photos and detailed specs to stay confidential until early next year. That suggests these LG devices are still a few months away and are not expected to reach customers for at least a few more months.
However, the LG partnership is only one part of Apple's smart home plans. According to earlier reports, Apple is set to launch three new products on October 13, 2026:
- HomePad, Apple's first smart home hub with a display
- An updated Apple TV 4K
- A new HomePod Mini
Further down the line, Apple is also said to be working on a privacy-focused home monitoring device, a tabletop hub with a robotic arm and even an in-home security monitoring service.
That said, none of the above details have been confirmed either by Apple or LG. Hence, take them with a pinch of salt. We will know for sure how much the report holds merit when the expected Apple Smart Home event concludes next week. So, stay tuned.
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