Apple’s new CEO John Ternus is reportedly working to design new products. A fresh report from Bloomberg adds that the tech Cupertino-based company is teaming up with LG Electronics to develop a new range of smart home accessories that could become part of its expanding home ecosystem.
Apple And LG Working On New Smart Home Devices
According to Bloomberg, LG is developing smart home products that are likely to work with Apple’s upcoming home hub and other Apple devices. These products are expected to include a wired video doorbell, thermostat, smart deadbolt lock, temperature sensor, indoor security camera, outdoor security camera and floodlight camera.
The report suggests that these devices appeared in documents submitted by LG to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and UL Solutions. Apple is not named in those filings, while LG has reportedly asked the FCC to keep some information about the products confidential.
Under this arrangement, Apple can reportedly influence the design, features and engineering of the products while LG handles much of the manufacturing and product support. This could allow Apple to build a wider range of smart home products while keeping development costs and operational responsibilities lower.
New Apple Home Products Expected Soon
Apple is expected to unveil several new home-focused products on October 13, including the company’s rumored home hub, a new Apple TV 4K and an updated HomePod mini. However, consumers may have to wait longer for the LG-made accessories. Bloomberg reports that these products are not expected to be available for several months.
Some of the LG devices reportedly support technologies including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread and Matter. The smart lock is also said to include Ultra Wideband (UWB), which could enable features such as automatic unlocking when a compatible device is nearby. The partnership could mark a bigger push by LG into the smart home accessories market. LG is better known for televisions, appliances and other electronics than for products such as smart locks and security cameras.
