Apple has confirmed a partnership with LG Electronics to bring a smart lock, a thermostat and a video doorbell under the Apple HomeKit banner.

The three products are slated for a joint unveiling next week, according to reports from TechCrunch and Engadget. Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem will gain its first hardware‑focused expansion in years, adding physical security and climate‑control capabilities that previously relied on third‑party manufacturers.

Apple’s entry into the smart‑home hardware arena marks a clear escalation in its competition with Amazon and Google.

Apple’s move follows a period of limited hardware releases after the 2024 launch of the HomePod 2. By aligning with LG, a company with a long‑standing presence in appliances and consumer electronics, Apple can leverage established manufacturing capacity and supply‑chain expertise while keeping design control within its own ecosystem.

Industry analysts see the partnership as a strategic attempt to close a gap in Apple’s smart‑home offering. While HomeKit enjoys a reputation for privacy and integration, it has lagged behind rivals in the sheer number of compatible devices. Adding a lock, thermostat and doorbell could boost the platform’s appeal to homeowners seeking an all‑Apple solution.

Why Apple chose LG

LG’s experience in producing smart appliances, including its ThinQ line, gives it a ready‑made platform for the three new devices. Sources familiar with the talks said the collaboration allows Apple to focus on software, user experience and security, while LG handles the hardware engineering and production scaling.

The partnership also aligns with Apple’s broader services push. HomeKit devices generate recurring data streams that can feed Apple’s Home app, potentially driving subscriptions to Apple One and other services.

Competitive landscape

Amazon’s Ring and Google’s Nest already dominate the smart‑doorbell and thermostat markets, with combined US market share exceeding 60 per cent, according to recent IDC data. Apple’s entry could fragment that dominance, especially among consumers who already own iPhones, iPads and Macs and value the seamless integration of Apple’s ecosystem.

Amazon has not issued a comment, but analysts note that Ring’s recent privacy controversies may open a niche for Apple, which markets HomeKit as a privacy‑first platform.

Implications for consumers

HomeKit‑compatible devices will likely require an iOS 17 or later device for setup and control, meaning early adopters will be existing Apple users. Pricing has not been disclosed, but industry insiders suggest Apple will position the lock and thermostat in the premium segment, mirroring the price points of its other hardware.

If the devices launch as expected, Apple will offer a more complete smart‑home suite by the end of 2026, potentially encouraging more households to adopt HomeKit as their primary automation hub.

Apple will host a virtual event on Tuesday to showcase the new hardware, after which the products are expected to ship in the fourth quarter, according to the reports.