Apple is working on smart doorbell and other home devices with LG

Apple is transforming its smart home ecosystem. The company has a bunch of devices under development, including a new smart home hub. But Apple wants to go further, and to do this, it is reportedly working with LG to bring home accessories including doorbells, security cameras, and even a thermostat.As per a report from Bloomberg, Apple is jointly developing a new range of smart home accessories that will complement its upcoming home devices. The line-up is said to include a wired video doorbell, a thermostat, a smart deadbolt lock, indoor and outdoor security cameras, a floodlight camera and a temperature sensor.LG to sell these devices under its nameThe report adds that while Apple and LG are developing the products together, they will be sold under the LG brand, with the South Korean company handling manufacturing and product support. It is believed that such a system gives Apple a way to expand its ecosystem without taking on the full cost and complexity of making and supporting a broader range of accessories. Yet, the company can still help shape design, features, and engineering.Regulatory filings include product names – LG Video Doorbell Wired, LG Floodlight Cam, LG Outdoor Cam Plug-In, LG Indoor Cam Plug-In, LG Smart Deadbolt Lock, LG Smart Thermostat and LG Temperature Sensor. The devices are expected to support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, along with Thread and Matter, smart home standards adopted by Apple and its rivals in recent years. The smart lock is also said to support ultra-wideband, or UWB, which would allow automatic unlocking when a user approaches the door. However, the accessories will be part of a wider ecosystem built around Apple’s new smart home hub. Apple is reportedly planning to release three new smart home devices – the home hub, an upgraded HomePod mini and a new TV set-top box. These devices are designed entirely by Apple. The LG devices will complement these as part of the smart home ecosystem.According to the report, this move serves as a reboot of HomeKit, Apple’s smart home platform launched in 2014. HomeKit has failed to get the same traction enjoyed by Amazon’s Ring and Google’s Nest. The upgraded Siri is also expected to help boost the Apple ecosystem.Apple to launch its devices before LG Apple is expected to introduce its new home devices on October 13. However, you will likely have to wait a bit longer before you can see what LG has in store. The report says that LG will likely only launch its accessories after a few months.In case you find Apple’s partnership with LG a bit unusual, the two companies have a long history of working together. LG Display supplies screens for several Apple products, while LG Electronics has worked with Apple on integrating its services into LG television sets. Though the two companies were also rivals back when LG was still making smartphones. Apple has used a similar approach before with companies such as Belkin and Logitech.For LG, the reported line-up would mark a broader expansion in smart home devices. The indoor camera under this project would be the company’s first in nearly a decade, as well as its first outdoor camera, thermostat, floodlight camera and doorbell in recent years.- Ends