Gurman: Apple's upcoming smart home products co-developed with LG are "at least a few more months" away; LG is handling manufacturing and product support

LG-branded smart home devices featuring Apple's HomeKit support are coming, but not until later this year.

Apple is reportedly collaborating with LG on a new line of smart home products, including a doorbell, lock, thermostat, and various cameras. These devices, which will be manufactured and supported by LG, are expected to carry the LG brand. Regulatory filings have surfaced, revealing product names and specifications for items like the LG Video Doorbell Wired and LG Floodlight Cam, with support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread, and Matter, and the smart lock featuring Ultra-Wideband technology. Although these products are part of a broader HomeKit reboot and are being developed alongside Apple's new smart home hub, they are not anticipated to be available to consumers for at least several more months. LG has requested confidentiality for detailed product information until early next year.

This partnership signifies a strategic shift for Apple in expanding its smart home ecosystem. By leveraging LG's manufacturing and support capabilities, Apple can accelerate its market entry and broaden its product range without the full overhead of in-house production. This approach allows Apple to focus on design and feature integration while outsourcing the complexities of hardware development and customer service, potentially revitalizing its HomeKit platform with a wider array of compatible devices.

The collaboration indicates a growing trend of tech giants relying on established hardware manufacturers to bring new product categories to market, especially in complex sectors like the smart home. Consumers can expect to see more devices that blend major brand ecosystems with specialized manufacturing expertise, potentially leading to increased competition and innovation in smart home technology. The inclusion of Thread and Matter support suggests a commitment to interoperability and future-proofing these new devices.