Apple Partners With LG To Create A Smart Doorbell, Intercom And Thermostat

Credit: LG

Apple is collaborating with LG on a new smart home device ecosystem. The project involves the production of a smart lock, a thermostat, and a doorbell.

Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reports on a new company initiative: South Korea’s LG Electronics has been brought on board to develop a smart door lock, an intercom, and a thermostat. These products are set to launch within the next few months.

Furthermore, LG participated in the development of an indoor security camera, as well as outdoor and floodlight-equipped versions. All these jointly developed smart devices will bear the LG brand but will be compatible with Apple’s proprietary smart home ecosystem. LG will handle both the manufacturing and the after-sales support for these devices in-house.

This would not be the first instance of such collaboration in Apple’s history. The company has previously partnered with Belkin and Logitech to develop devices that were subsequently sold under those brands. This approach allows Apple to more rapidly expand the ecosystem of devices compatible with its standards and technologies while simultaneously reducing its own costs associated with this expansion. The company typically does not publicize such activities.

Apple and LG are also working on a line of surveillance cameras, including models for indoor and outdoor use. Although the devices are being developed by the two companies, they are expected to be released under the LG brand.