Just yesterday, a report revealed that Apple is working with LG on seven smart home devices, including a doorbell, smart lock, thermostat and cameras. Now we have our first proper look at three of them, comprising 3D renders and technical details.
Apple and LG Co-Developed Smart Home Devices Leak Online
The images and technical details have emerged via detailed FCC listings and also through a leaker on X named pdfu. The most interesting device is the smart deadbolt lock. It will reportedly come in Graphite and Silver colourways.
The indoor unit is tall, with straight sides and rounded ends. The top half holds the battery compartment and the bottom half has a large rotating keypad that covers almost the full width of the lock. It is said to support Bluetooth, Thread, NFC, and Ultra Wideband (UWB).
According to the FCC document, the lock first checks your phone's credentials over Bluetooth. Then it uses UWB to pinpoint your phone's exact location before unlocking the door. In simple terms, the lock can unlock automatically as you walk up to your door, without you having to take your phone out.
The lock will reportedly run on four AA batteries and fit standard 2.375-inch and 2.75-inch door brackets. It will also offer features like auto-unlock and tap-to-unlock, master codes and two physical keys, "Door Left" audio alarm, adjustable touchpad light ring, lock volume and emergency power support.
Next up is the smart thermostat. It has a round, puck-like design with a raised edge. The device is said to run on 24V AC power and could support dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread.
Interestingly, the thermostat has a built-in 60 GHz radar. This could let it detect when someone is in the room or walking towards it. For example, it could wake up its screen as you approach, or adjust the temperature when nobody is home.
According to pdfu, the thermostat will also offer a "Far Sight Display", which probably shows key info in large text so you can read it from across the room. It will also reportedly show humidity and you can adjust the screen brightness, language and temperature calibration.
The last device is a small, round temperature sensor. It is said to measure both temperature and humidity and it can reportedly work with the thermostat to keep different rooms at the right setting.
The sensor is said to run on a replaceable CR2477 coin battery and will alert you when the battery is running low. It connects over Bluetooth Low Energy and Thread. The device also has a magnetic back, so you can stick it on metal surfaces. For other surfaces, LG will reportedly include a metal plate with adhesive.
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The Smart Home Devices Won't Have Apple Branding
An interesting thing to note is that none of the leaked smart home devices bear the Apple branding or logo. Even the FCC filings do not mention Apple anywhere and the products will be sold under the LG brand. The Matter logo and setup codes on all three devices suggest they will work with Apple Home, as well as other Matter-compatible platforms.
According to Bloomberg, Apple has helped shape the design, features and engineering of these devices. LG, on the other hand, will handle manufacturing and customer support. The filings also show the devices are being made at Hyundai HT Global's factory in Vietnam.
That said, these are just leaks and none of the above details have been confirmed either by Apple or LG. Hence, take them with a pinch of salt.
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