We are the Frontier
U.S.

Apple and LG Partnered to Build Smart Home Devices

The collaboration aims to expand Apple's smart home ecosystem through LG-manufactured hardware.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Consumer Electronics

Isometric editorial illustration of a minimalist thermostat and camera housing on a clean surface, representing a new smart home partnership.
Apple and LG Electronics announced a partnership to manufacture a new line of smart home hardware, including thermostats and cameras, beginning in several months. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust that partnerships between major tech firms result in higher-quality smart home devices?

Apple and LG Electronics have announced a partnership to produce a line of smart home accessories, including cameras, thermostats, and deadbolt locks. These products will be branded by LG and are slated to reach consumers in several months.

Why it matters

Apple is looking to scale its smart home footprint by offloading manufacturing complexity while leveraging Siri to drive its ecosystem growth. This strategy allows the company to rapidly expand its hardware lineup without assuming full operational costs.

The devices will support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread, and Matter communication protocols. Notably, the new smart deadbolt will feature ultra-wideband technology for automated unlocking, marking a hardware upgrade over standard smart lock implementations.

The players

Apple

A consumer technology leader focused on high-end hardware and integrated software ecosystems like HomeKit and Siri.

LG Electronics

A South Korean multinational electronics manufacturer with deep expertise in home appliance hardware and large-scale supply chain operations.

The details

Apple is providing the design, feature tailoring, and engineering requirements, while LG manages the manufacturing and regulatory compliance process. The lineup includes a doorbell, thermostat, and the company's first indoor camera in nearly a decade. These products are being registered with the US Federal Communications Commission and UL Solutions to ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure.

Timeline

  1. 2014: Apple launched its original HomeKit platform.

  2. October 13, 2026: Apple is scheduled to introduce its new smart home hub.

  3. Early 2027: LG's confidential product details are expected to become public.

The Tech Race

This collaboration signals a departure from Apple's traditionally centralized hardware approach as it faces intensified competition in the home automation market. By aligning with LG, Apple aims to accelerate the deployment of its ecosystem to match the rapid iteration cycles of established smart home providers.

Consumers can expect these devices to hit the market in several months, offering new options for automated security and climate control within the Apple ecosystem. The integration of Matter and Thread protocols ensures these products will be compatible with existing smart home setups.

The takeaway

Apple is betting that third-party manufacturing partnerships can help close the feature gap in its smart home offerings. Users should watch for the October 13 product event to see how these upcoming LG accessories align with Apple's broader Siri-driven home strategy.

Further reading

For more on the latest trends in connected home hardware, explore the Consumer Electronics section.

Live Poll

Do you trust that partnerships between major tech firms result in higher-quality smart home devices?