LG is reportedly set to launch new smart home accessories including a doorbell, deadbolt lock and a range of home cameras in partnership with Apple as the company reads for a reported smart home launch next week.
It has been previously reported that Apple is preparing to launch a new HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K and all new home hub device on Tuesday, 13th October to support the latest AI features and newer version of Siri.
Whilst previous reports also suggested Apple may be making its own smart home accessories such as a camera, it now appears that the company instead partnered with South Korean consumer tech giant LG to make these products.
What's Coming?
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported on the LG partnership last night, and found evidence of these new products with the US Federal Communications Commission.
- LG Video Doorbell Wired
- LG Floodlight Cam
- LG Outdoor Cam Plug-In
- LG Smart Deadbolt Lock
- LG Smart Thermostat
- LG Temperature Sensor
Notably, all these items carry the LG brand. This is because Apple has reportedly helped with the engineering of these accessories, so that they work seamlessly with its new home products, but the products will be officially sold and manufactured by LG.
I'd expect, however, the LG products to be available on the Apple Store Online and at Apple retail locations, as seen with other third-party brands such as Belkin and Twelve South.
Gurman says these accessories are facing delays, and may not release next week.
Previous Partnerships with LG
LG manufactures a range of consumer tech, including computer monitors.
When Apple discontinued its Thunderbolt Display product line in 2016, the company stepped away from the category altogether. However, they partnered with LG to launch the 27-inch UltraFine 5K Monitor with Thunderbolt 3, which was unveiled by LG as "designed and optimized for the new MacBook Pro".
Apple endorsed these third-party displays, and sold them at Apple retail locations until 2022, when Apple launched the consumer Apple Studio Display.
