Apple Reportedly Teams Up With LG on Smart Lock, Thermostat and Doorbell
Bloomberg reports that Apple and LG are developing a range of smart home devices designed to work with Apple's upcoming home hub. The hub is expected to launch on October 13.
Apple is building a new ecosystem of smart home devices together with LG, according to a Bloomberg report that was also relayed by TechCrunch.
Planned devices
The lineup reportedly includes a smart lock, a thermostat and a doorbell. All of them are meant to work with Apple's smart home hub, another forthcoming product that is said to debut on October 13.
The hub is expected to feature a 6-inch square display. It could sit on a countertop or be mounted on a wall.
Security cameras
The two companies are also reportedly working on a series of security cameras, with models for indoor use, outdoor use and a floodlight version.
The LG devices are expected to be announced next week, although they may not necessarily go on sale right away.
Branding and competition
According to the report, the products will carry the LG brand even though both companies are developing them. The move could be seen as a challenge to Amazon's smart home offering, which already includes many similar products, among them Ring security cameras.
Apple has recently used its hardware releases to push into new areas, and a broader smart home presence is one of them. TechCrunch has asked Apple for more information.
