Apple and LG Reportedly Develop Smart Home Accessories

Apple and LG Electronics are reported to have jointly developed a range of LG-branded smart-home accessories, including a doorbell, smart deadbolt, thermostat and security cameras, for use with Apple’s planned home ecosystem. LG is expected to manufacture and support the products, which are not expected to reach consumers for at least several months, according to people familiar with the private project. The reported lineup also includes indoor and outdoor cameras, a floodlight camera and a temperature sensor. Product names in regulatory filings submitted by LG include the LG Video Doorbell Wired, LG Floodlight Cam, LG Outdoor Cam PlugIn, LG Indoor Cam PlugIn, LG Smart Deadbolt Lock, LG Smart Thermostat and LG Temperature Sensor. The filings document LG’s products but do not mention Apple’s role in their development. The reported collaboration would pair Apple’s software and smart-home ecosystem with hardware sold under LG’s brand. LG is handling manufacturing and product support, according to the account of the project. Neither company has publicly confirmed the partnership in the supplied reports, and representatives for both declined to comment in one account.