Apple is reportedly partnering with LG Electronics to develop artificial intelligence (AI)-based smart home devices. The plan involves launching products such as video doorbells, smart door locks, and security cameras under the LG Electronics brand and linking them with Apple's next-generation smart home hub.
According to media reports including Bloomberg News on Oct. 7, Apple and LG Electronics are jointly developing several types of smart home devices, including video doorbells, smart door locks, security cameras, and smart temperature sensors and thermostats.
The products are expected to be released under the LG Electronics brand. LG Electronics will handle manufacturing, sales, and customer support, while Apple participates in product design and feature development. The engineering design is also being jointly supervised.
LG Electronics has reportedly applied for certification for related products with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States and certification organization UL Solutions. The registered product names include “LG Video Doorbell Wired,” “LG Outdoor Cam Plug-In,” and “LG Smart Deadbolt Lock.” The smart door lock also features ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, which automatically unlocks when a user approaches.
However, the collaboration with Apple was not specified in the certification documents. The joint development between the two companies was revealed through sources cited by Bloomberg.
The products are known to link with a new smart home hub that Apple is scheduled to unveil on Oct. 13. Actual sales of LG Electronics' smart home devices are expected to take place several months after the hub's unveiling.
Apple is pushing to expand its smart home business centered around Siri, its new AI-based voice assistant. Currently, Amazon's Ring and Google's Nest hold major product lineups in the smart home device market.
LG Electronics will be able to expand its product lineup to smart door locks and security cameras, following its existing home appliances and TVs. According to reports, this smart door lock is the first product LG Electronics will introduce to markets outside South Korea.
