LG and Apple unveil joint smart home device line
The LG-branded range includes cameras, a video doorbell, a smart lock and a thermostat, with US and Canada sales starting in December.
LG Electronics and Apple have unveiled a jointly developed line of smart home products that will be sold under the LG brand, with sales in the US and Canada beginning in December, according to inews24.com. Some models will follow in early next year.
The lineup covers indoor and outdoor cameras, a video doorbell, a smart door lock, a thermostat and a temperature sensor. Apple took part in design and feature development, while LG handles manufacturing, sales and customer support.
The devices were designed from the initial planning stage to work together as a connected system rather than as separate products, the companies said. Bloomberg described the co-development as an unusual partnership.
The two companies have worked together before. In 2016, LG-branded UltraFine 5K and 4K monitors for Mac launched and were sold through Apple's sales network, and in 2019 Apple's AirPlay 2 and HomeKit were added to LG TVs. LG Display has supplied panels for iPhone and iPad, and LG Innotek has supplied camera modules for iPhone.
Patrick McGee's book "Apple in China" notes that about 30 years ago LG took part in producing Apple's iMac, the translucent blue-green all-in-one computer Apple released in 1998 after Steve Jobs returned to the company.
Quick answers
When do the LG and Apple smart home devices go on sale?
They roll out in the US and Canada starting in December, with some models arriving in early next year.
What products are in the lineup?
Indoor and outdoor cameras, a video doorbell, a smart door lock, a thermostat and a temperature sensor.
Who makes and supports the devices?
They are sold under the LG brand. Apple was involved in design and feature development, while LG handles manufacturing, sales and customer support.