LG, Apple Join Forces on AI Home, Unveiling Seven Smart Devices

LG Electronics unveiled seven next-generation IoT devices co-developed with Apple in Manhattan, New York, on Oct. 13 (local time). Clockwise from the top left: outdoor camera, outdoor camera with floodlight, indoor camera, smart lock, video doorbell and thermostat. (LG Electronics) LG Electronics is accelerating its expansion into the artificial intelligence (AI) home market through a partnership with Apple, unveiling seven jointly developed smart home devices designed to connect indoor and outdoor living spaces. The collaboration combines LG’s home appliance expertise with Apple’s platform ecosystem, giving LG access to a potential customer base spanning more than 2.5 billion active Apple devices. LG Electronics and Apple unveiled seven Internet of Things (IoT) devices for the Apple Home Collection at a product launch event in Manhattan, New York, on Oct. 13 (local time). The lineup includes an indoor camera, two outdoor cameras, a video doorbell, a smart lock, a thermostat and a temperature sensor. Sales will begin in December in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, with additional products scheduled for a phased rollout through early 2027. The collaboration goes beyond basic device compatibility. The two companies worked together from the initial product planning stage, combining LG’s manufacturing capabilities and understanding of residential environments with Apple’s user experience and software ecosystem. All seven products integrate with LG’s AI home platform, ThinQ, and Apple’s ecosystem. Users can pair compatible devices with an iPhone or iPad through a simplified setup process and remotely monitor or control their connected homes. The new lineup also incorporates intelligent automation features designed to improve convenience. The thermostat analyzes factors such as users’ routines, time of day and outdoor weather conditions to optimize indoor heating and cooling. The smart lock uses advanced sensing technology to detect a user’s approach and determine whether they intend to enter, allowing hands-free unlocking. It can also send alerts when abnormal activity is detected. The camera-equipped products feature vision AI capabilities. The outdoor cameras and video doorbell can distinguish among people, animals, vehicles and delivered packages, providing customized notifications based on the detected activity. The indoor camera can identify unusual sounds, including a baby crying or glass breaking. It also features a privacy mode that automatically tilts the lens downward when family members return home. Outdoor models offer IP65-rated protection against dust and water. Security is another key focus of the collaboration. The devices combine LG Shield, LG Electronics’ security solution, with Apple’s data encryption technology to minimize the risk of hacking and sensitive data leaks. Their designs blend LG’s philosophy of creating appliances that harmonize with living spaces with Apple’s minimalist aesthetic. The products will be available in three colors — Essence Graphite, White and Silver — emphasizing their ability to blend seamlessly into residential environments. Through the new product lineup, LG Electronics aims to complete an integrated AI home ecosystem connecting its ThinQ On hub, AI-powered home appliances and IoT devices. Jeong Gi-hyeon, executive vice president and head of LG Electronics’ HS Platform Business Center, said, “By combining LG Electronics’ expertise in home appliances and living spaces with Apple’s distinctive user experience and the strong security capabilities of both companies, we aim to deliver a safe and intuitive AI home experience.”