Apple Unveils Co-Developed Smart Home Lineup with LG and Schneider Electric

Key points

• Apple partnered with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric to co-develop the Apple Home Collection, ensuring devices are designed for reliability, privacy, and ease of setup rather than just meeting basic specs.
• The collection includes LG-made indoor/outdoor cameras, a video doorbell, a smart lock, and a thermostat, alongside a Schneider Electric thermostat.
• The LG smart lock uses ultrawideband technology to detect iPhones or Apple Watches and unlock automatically as users approach, eliminating the need for manual key entry or tapping.
• The video doorbell features a downward-facing camera to monitor packages on the floor and integrates with HomePod for chime alerts.
• Outdoor cameras offer a floodlight option that activates gradually upon motion detection and can recognize faces, pets, and deliveries.
• Setup is streamlined via onscreen guidance when an iPhone is brought near the device, adding them directly to the Home app.

Background

This launch follows earlier FCC filings and leaked images in early October 2026 that revealed LG-branded smart home hardware co-developed with Apple. Previous reports indicated these devices would support Thread and Matter protocols and integrate with Apple's upcoming home hub. The October 13 'Welcome Home' event also debuted the HomeView smart display, an updated Apple TV 4K, and a refreshed HomePod mini, all featuring upgraded chips and deeper Siri AI integration. The HomeView is set to ship in mid-November, while the other core devices launch on October 30.

How outlets are covering it

Engadget highlights the minimalist design and the convenience of the ultrawideband-enabled door lock, noting that video history is saved to existing iCloud+ storage. The Verge emphasizes that these are the first smart home gadgets Apple has co-developed for its platform, moving away from relying solely on third-party manufacturers. The Verge also notes the devices' simple, clean aesthetic in black or silver, designed to blend into home environments. Both sources agree on the pricing and availability but differ in emphasis: Engadget focuses on the technical features like face recognition and floodlight options, while The Verge stresses the strategic shift for Apple in creating its own hardware ecosystem. Neither source provides conflicting information on the core facts, but The Verge notes the devices were seen installed in Apple's Tribeca smart home, adding a visual context to the minimalist design.

Why it matters

This launch marks a significant expansion of Apple's smart home ecosystem, moving beyond software and hub devices to include physical hardware co-developed with major manufacturers. By integrating proprietary features like ultrawideband unlocking and local buffering with Matter support for non-camera devices, Apple is balancing ecosystem lock-in with cross-platform compatibility. This strategy could influence the broader smart home market by setting new standards for privacy, ease of setup, and hardware integration, potentially challenging competitors like Google and Amazon in the smart home space.

What to watch

The Apple Home Collection devices are expected to be available in December in the US, Canada, and the UK, initially through the Apple Store. Following this, they will likely expand to other retail channels. The HomeView smart display, which serves as the central hub for these devices, is set to ship in mid-November, while the updated Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini are expected to launch on October 30. Future updates may include broader Matter support for camera features or additional co-developed devices from other partners.