Apple Unveils Home Collection Hardware with LG and Schneider Electric Partnerships
Apple re-enters the smart home market with co-developed security devices and intelligence hubs.
1Strategic Smart Home Expansion
Apple unveiled the Apple Home Collection at its Welcome Home event in New York City. Built around Siri AI and Apple Intelligence, this strategic rollout marks a direct challenge to Amazon, Google, and Samsung, moving Apple from the sidelines into active smart home hardware development with key manufacturing partners.
2Collaborative Hardware Manufacturing
Rather than building all peripherals alone, Apple collaborated with LG and Schneider Electric to manufacture the new portfolio. The collection encompasses indoor and outdoor security cameras, smart thermostats, a video doorbell, and a deadbolt lock, all deeply integrated with the Home app ecosystem and iCloud+ cloud storage.
3LG Security Camera Portfolio
LG manufactured three distinct cameras: the Floodlight Cam, Outdoor Cam, and Indoor Cam. The flagship $400 Floodlight model pairs perimeter motion detection with color night vision. The $200 Indoor Cam features automated vertical tilting for monitoring, while the standalone $300 Outdoor Cam maintains color capture without integrated floodlights.
4Dual-Camera Doorbell System
The $230 LG Video Doorbell Wired features a specialized dual-camera configuration. A primary 2.5K camera captures visitors at eye level, while a secondary full-HD bottom sensor monitors package deliveries. The unit includes a built-in spotlight and routes chime notifications directly across connected HomePod and HomeView displays.
5Hands-Free Deadbolt Technology
Priced at $350, the LG Smart Deadbolt Lock integrates Ultra Wideband wireless connectivity. This protocol detects approaching users carrying a digital Home Key on a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch. The door unlocks automatically without requiring physical tapping, biometric scanning, or manual passcode entry on the external keypad.
6On-Device Climate Management
Apple introduced $200 smart thermostats from both LG and Schneider Electric, supported by $40 standalone room temperature sensors. Both climate controllers leverage on-device intelligence to modulate heating and cooling based on real-time household occupancy, maintaining compatibility with a broad array of existing residential HVAC configurations.
7Upgraded HomePod Mini Hub
Apple refreshed its core hub hardware with the $149 HomePod mini 2, driven by the S10 silicon chip. The device promises future Siri AI capabilities alongside improved acoustic quality. When paired with the new Apple TV 4K, four units can form a unified surround sound configuration.
8Tiered Regional Rollout Timeline
The Apple Home Collection launches in December, with select peripheral accessories extending into early 2027. Initial distribution for cameras and doorbells covers the US, Canada, and the UK. The smart lock and thermostats remain restricted to US and Canadian retail markets at initial launch.