Expanding the Ecosystem Through Partnerships
Apple appears to be planning a significant and ambitious shift in its approach to the smart home market. Beyond developing its own rumored hardware, such as a new smart home hub and updates to the Apple TV and HomePod mini, the tech giant is actively collaborating with external manufacturers to introduce a new line of co-branded smart home products.
Recent leaks suggest that LG Electronics is working with Apple to develop devices including video doorbells, smart deadbolts, and various indoor and outdoor security cameras. Furthermore, it appears LG is not the sole partner; reports indicate that Schneider Electric, based in Boston, is also involved, with plans to produce smart thermostats as well as temperature and humidity sensors.
The 'Magical' Setup Experience
The core of this strategy seems to be simplifying the notoriously frustrating process of installing smart home equipment. Leaks derived from iOS 27 code point to a specialized, HomeKit-exclusive feature described as "tap to set up without power."
"When you tap your iPhone on the accessory, HomeKit pairing happens over NFC," the leaker known as pdfu explained. "Your iPhone's pairing identity and network credentials are stored in the accessory's NFC secure element. Once powered on, the accessory joins your Wi‑Fi or Thread network, and your home hub completes the Matter setup."
Technical Innovation and Secure Integration
The integration relies on specialized hardware, specifically the NXP SE051H Secure Element, which has been identified in the firmware for upcoming LG devices. While the Matter protocol already supports standard NFC commissioning, Apple appears to be customizing this process.
According to findings in the iOS 27 firmware, LG is replacing the standard Matter NFC applet with a custom HomeKit applet within the secure element. This customization suggests that the ultra-convenient NFC provisioning will remain a unique benefit of the Apple ecosystem, while still allowing the devices to operate fully within the broader Matter framework once powered on.
Anticipation Builds for Upcoming Event
Data found within the iOS 27.2 beta includes a table dedicated to "second-party products," indicating that Apple is preparing to manage these third-party accessories with the same level of polish usually reserved for its own hardware. The Home app will feature dedicated setup instructions and animations, creating an experience similar to the seamless installation process users expect from devices like the HomePod.
These developments may be unveiled as early as next week during a special "Welcome Home" event. Unlike traditional keynote streams, this gathering in New York City is expected to offer a more curated experience for media and influencers, with a strong focus on how these new products will integrate with Apple’s evolving AI-driven Siri capabilities.