A New Chapter for Apple’s Smart Home Ambitions

Following years of speculation, the vision for Apple’s smart home ecosystem is becoming clearer. Recent reports indicate that Apple is collaborating with LG to create a suite of connected household gadgets, potentially including smart doorbells and thermostats. With an anticipated Apple event scheduled for October 13, there is growing expectation that a long-rumored smart home hub—tentatively referred to as the HomePad—might finally be unveiled.


First Look at LG-Branded Hardware

Information shared by the credible leaker known as pdfu has provided a closer look at the design and functionality of three specific devices: a smart lock, a thermostat, and a temperature sensor. Interestingly, none of these devices appear to display an Apple logo. Instead, they feature LG branding, suggesting these initial offerings will hit the market under the LG name rather than Apple’s.


The Smart Deadbolt

The leak highlights a smart deadbolt featuring a rotating keypad. Design-wise, it includes a swivel pin to prevent the unit from striking a wall during operation. Functionally, it appears well-equipped, offering:

  • Adjustable settings for a touchpad light ring, lock sound volume, and door-ajar alarms.
  • Support for modern entry methods such as tap-to-unlock and auto-unlocking.
  • Emergency power options and master access codes.

The lock is designed to fit standard bracket sizes of 2.375 inches (60.3mm) and 2.75 inches (69.9mm) and comes with two traditional manual keys.


Smart Thermostat and Temperature Sensor

The leaked thermostat showcases a rounded aesthetic, drawing comparisons to the Google Nest. According to the leak, it will prioritize user customizability with settings for a far-sight display, language selection, brightness, and humidity monitoring, alongside options for calibrated temperature offsets.

Accompanying the thermostat is a compact, white circular temperature sensor. This device is designed to measure both humidity and temperature. It features a magnetic back for easy mounting on metal surfaces and includes a metal adhesive plate for non-metallic walls. It is expected to use a replaceable battery system with integrated low-power alerts.


Expanding the Ecosystem

Beyond these three devices, industry reports suggest that the collaboration between the two tech giants is set to expand further. Plans are reportedly in motion to develop a smart video doorbell, as well as a series of security cameras designed for indoor, outdoor, and floodlight-integrated scenarios.