Apple has reportedly partnered with South Korean electronics giant LG Electronics to develop a range of smart home security devices as the iPhone maker prepares to expand its presence in the smart home market.
According to Bloomberg, the planned products include a smart deadbolt lock, indoor and outdoor security cameras, a floodlight camera and a thermostat, all co-developed with LG.
The devices will carry LG’s brand, with the company responsible for manufacturing and product support.
Bloomberg reported that LG has filed for regulatory approval for the products with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
The accessories are designed to work with Apple’s upcoming smart home hub, an upgraded HomePod mini and a new TV set-top box, which Bloomberg has previously reported on.
Apple is expected to introduce its new products on 13 October, although the security accessories developed with LG are not expected to reach consumers for at least a few more months, according to the report.
The partnership follows Apple’s previous collaborations with third-party suppliers, including Belkin and Logitech, to develop products that expand its ecosystem without requiring the company to bear the full cost and complexity of manufacturing them independently.
The planned entry into smart home security cameras, doorbells and thermostats would place Apple and LG in direct competition with Amazon and Google, which already have established portfolios of similar devices.
