Apple and LG to co-develop smart home devices for October 13 launch

Key points

• Apple is collaborating with LG on a new line of smart home devices, including a video doorbell, smart lock, thermostat, indoor camera, outdoor security camera, and floodlight camera.
• The devices will carry LG branding but integrate with Apple's upcoming smart home hub and HomeKit ecosystem, supporting Thread and Matter protocols.
• Apple is expected to unveil its new smart home hub, HomePod mini, and Apple TV 4K at an event on October 13, 2026.
• The LG-branded devices are expected to launch months after the hub debut.
• Apple is also planning a second product launch in late October, potentially featuring new Macs.

Background

Apple has been rumored to be expanding its smart home offerings for months. In late September, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple is developing an all-new homeOS for a HomePod-like smart home hub, blending elements of tvOS, watchOS, and iOS with a grid of icons, widgets, and personalized UI via facial recognition. Siri AI sits at the core, with multi-user support and built-in apps like FaceTime, HomeKit, photos, and calendar. Apple is expected to unveil this platform as soon as October. On October 7, 2026, it was reported that Apple is partnering with LG Electronics to produce a suite of smart home accessories, including a video doorbell, smart lock, and cameras. These devices will carry LG branding but integrate with Apple's upcoming home hub and HomeKit ecosystem. The collaboration allows Apple to expand its hardware lineup without manufacturing the products itself, while LG enters the smart home market more aggressively. On October 1, 2026, it was reported that Apple is set to launch a new smart home hub, a refreshed HomePod mini, and an updated Apple TV 4K on October 13, 2026. The new hub, internally codenamed J490, will feature a screen and act as a central control unit for Apple Home, recognizing individual household members. The HomePod mini refresh introduces new colors, while the Apple TV 4K retains its current design but upgrades to an A20 Pro processor and 8GB of RAM to support the new Siri AI assistant.

How outlets are covering it

The Verge reports that Apple is collaborating with LG on a new lineup of smart home devices, including a video doorbell, thermostat, indoor camera, and more, according to a report from Bloomberg. The products will reportedly feature LG branding but integrate with the company's rumored smart home hub that's expected to launch during an event on October 13th. Sources tell Bloomberg that the upcoming line of devices also includes a deadbolt lock, outdoor security camera, and a floodlight camera. Several of the devices will reportedly come with support for the smart home protocols Thread and Matter amid a 'formal reboot' for Apple's HomeKit platform. The door lock also comes with an ultra-wideband feature that could allow it to automatically unlock when a user gets near their door, according to Bloomberg. AppleInsider reports that Apple already has an unannounced product reveal expected on October 13 and rumors suggest a second round of releases could occur by the end of the month. It is gearing up to be a very busy October for Apple, as iPhone Duo ships, Apple Home gets several new products, and now a possible new Mac launch. Earlier rumors placed Macs in November, but it seems the 'Scary Fast' event could see a repeat in 2026. According to anonymous sources speaking to MacRumors, a second product launch is expected at the end of October. MacRumors reports that Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently reported that Apple plans to unveil an all-new home hub, a new HomePod mini, and a new Apple TV 4K on Tuesday, October 13, and MacRumors has since learned about another launch slated for later in the month. Apple is planning to unveil additional new products in the final week of October, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. While we do not know exactly which products Apple plans to announce in the final week of October, the most likely possibilities are all Macs, including the long-rumored 'MacBook Ultra' models with OLED displays and a thinner-and-lighter design, a base model 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M6 chip, and an iMac with an M6 chip. Apple also previously announced that it will be releasing a high-end Mac Studio configuration with the M5 Ultra chip and 512GB of RAM in 'late October'. Another new product expected this October is a new iPad mini with an OLED display, an A20 Pro chip, a landscape front camera, a redesigned speaker system, and more. It is unclear if the device will be announced alongside new home products on October 13, alongside new Macs in the final week of October, or at some other point this month. All in all, it appears that Apple has two sets of product launches planned for this October, and that is on top of the iPhone Duo launching on Friday, October 23.

Why it matters

Apple's partnership with LG to produce smart home devices marks a significant expansion of its smart home offerings, allowing Apple to expand its hardware lineup without manufacturing the products itself. The integration of these devices with Apple's upcoming smart home hub and HomeKit ecosystem, along with support for Thread and Matter protocols, could make Apple's smart home ecosystem more competitive and attractive to consumers. The potential launch of new Macs in late October could also be significant for Apple's product lineup and market position.

What to watch

Apple is expected to unveil its new smart home hub, HomePod mini, and Apple TV 4K at an event on October 13, 2026. The LG-branded devices are expected to launch months after the hub debut. Apple is also planning a second product launch in late October, potentially featuring new Macs. It is unclear if the new iPad mini will be announced alongside new home products on October 13, alongside new Macs in the final week of October, or at some other point this month.