Apple, LG reportedly partnering on smart home device lineup

CUPERTINO, Calif., and SEOUL, South Korea—Apple is reportedly making a push into the smart home security market through a partnership with LG Electronics to develop a lineup of connected devices that includes a video doorbell, smart lock and security cameras. 

According to a Bloomberg report, the lineup will include a wired video doorbell, smart deadbolt lock, thermostat, temperature sensor, indoor camera, outdoor camera and floodlight camera. While Apple is said to be involved in product design, engineering and feature development, the devices will be marketed under the LG brand, with LG handling manufacturing and customer support.  

The report said the partnership is intended to help expand Apple's smart home ecosystem. Bloomberg described the arrangement as a "second-party" supplier relationship that allows Apple to influence hardware development without directly manufacturing the products.  

According to the report, LG has filed regulatory applications for the devices with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and UL Solutions. Most are expected to support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread and the Matter interoperability standard. The smart lock is also expected to feature ultra-wideband technology that could enable proximity-based unlocking.  

The report noted that the collaboration would add seven smart home products to LG's lineup, including a video doorbell, smart lock, thermostat and security cameras. It also said the relationship could eventually extend to integration of LG appliances into Apple's home ecosystem. 

Apple and LG Electronics had not responded to requests for comment from Security Systems News by press time.