Apple's Big Smart Home Gamble: LG Partnership Could Put It Up Against Ring and Nest
The reported six-device range could include cameras, a video doorbell, thermostat and smart deadbolt designed to work with Apple's Home ecosystem
Apple is reportedly teaming up with LG Electronics on a major smart home expansion, with the companies developing a range of products including a video doorbell, smart lock, thermostat, and security cameras.
According to reports, the lineup includes six devices, including indoor and outdoor cameras, a floodlight camera, smart deadbolt, doorbell and thermostat. These LG-branded devices are being developed to work with Apple's broader smart home ecosystem, according to reports.
The partnership comes as Apple prepares to expand its Home platform with a reported six-inch smart home hub, alongside updates to the HomePod mini and Apple TV.
LG Could Become Apple's Smart Home Partner
Apple and LG are reportedly developing a range of connected home products without putting the former's own branding on every device.
One of the more notable features is reportedly coming to the smart lock. The deadbolt could use ultra-wideband technology to detect when an authorised user approaches, potentially allowing the door to unlock automatically.
According to reports, the LG-made devices are expected to support Matter and Thread. Matter is a smart-home standard designed to improve compatibility between devices from different manufacturers, while Thread provides a low-power wireless network for compatible connected-home products.
The reported support could make the devices compatible with a broader range of smart-home products. Apple and LG have previously worked together on displays designed specifically for Mac users.
The companies collaborated on the LG UltraFine 4K and 5K monitors introduced in 2016, which offered features tailored to Apple's hardware, including Thunderbolt connectivity, Mac-controlled display settings and charging through a single cable. The reported smart home partnership would extend that relationship into connected home products.
Apple Takes Aim at Established Rivals
The expansion would put Apple more directly against companies such as Amazon and Google, which already offer extensive smart home ecosystems and dedicated security products.
Ring began with its connected doorbell before expanding into cameras, alarms and other security products, and Amazon acquired the company in 2018. Google's Nest, meanwhile, dates back to 2010 and began with its Learning Thermostat before expanding into cameras, doorbells and other connected-home products.
Apple's approach could instead focus on tying a broader range of hardware into its existing ecosystem.
Apple's HomeKit Reboot Could Be Key
Apple's reported plans extend beyond individual accessories. The company is expected to introduce a six-inch smart home hub that could be placed on a table or mounted on a wall, alongside updates to the HomePod mini and Apple TV.
The Verge reports that the LG products are intended to integrate with this wider ecosystem, with the partnership coming as Apple prepares a 'formal reboot' of HomeKit.
That could give Apple a more comprehensive presence across smart-home categories that have largely been served by third-party accessories.
Apple has not confirmed the reported LG partnership, the individual products or their launch dates. The company is nevertheless expected to unveil its new smart home hub at an event reportedly scheduled for 13 October, according to reports.
The event could provide Apple's first major look at its renewed Home strategy, although the final product lineup and timing remain unconfirmed.
© Copyright IBTimes 2026. All rights reserved.