Apple Home Collection: LG, Schneider partners bring encrypted smart home gear to residential users

Residential users and smart home adopters now have access to Apple’s first co-developed hardware lineup, the Apple Home Collection. Announced at a New York event, the collection includes security cameras, a video doorbell, a smart lock, and thermostats built by LG Electronics and Schneider Electric. These devices are designed to integrate directly with the Apple Home platform, managed through the Apple Home app without the need for separate vendor applications or accounts during setup and daily management.

How it unfolded

• Apple introduced the Apple Home Collection at its Welcome Home event in New York City, showcasing the devices alongside the new HomeView smart display and updated Apple TV 4K.
• The company revealed that it co-developed the products with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric to ensure seamless operation within the Apple Home ecosystem, marking a shift from relying solely on third-party manufacturers.
• Apple stated that the devices will become available in December, allowing users to begin deploying the hardware as part of a unified smart home starter pack.

Who is affected

Users adopting Apple Home will see a change in how security devices are provisioned and monitored. The collection includes the LG Video Doorbell, priced at $249.95, and the LG Smart Deadbolt Lock at $349.95, which supports ultra-wideband for automatic unlocking. Other items include the LG Outdoor Cam ($299.95), Indoor Cam ($199.95), and Floodlight Cam ($399.95), as well as thermostats from both LG and Schneider Electric, each priced at $199.95.

The devices are managed through the Apple Home app and controlled via Siri or the new HomeView hub. According to MacRumors, the Indoor Cam features a privacy mechanism that tilts upward when occupants are home, while the Outdoor Cam offers low-color night vision. The Smart Deadbolt Lock includes tamper detection and can work together with the video doorbell as one, allowing users to see who is at the door and unlock it if needed. All communication is end-to-end encrypted, ensuring that only authorized users can access data, according to The Verge.

Our take on the response

This launch suggests Apple is prioritizing a closed, privacy-centric hardware ecosystem to compete with established players like Amazon Ring and Google Nest. By co-developing devices with major manufacturers, Apple aims to reduce the complexity of setup and ensure consistent security standards. That suggests users may find fewer compatibility issues, but they must also adapt to Apple’s specific management tools and iCloud+ storage requirements for video footage.

What to do and how to stay safe: Apple Home Collection

• Verify that client devices support the required iOS versions and Apple Home Hub functionality to ensure seamless pairing of the new LG and Schneider accessories.
• Review iCloud+ plan tiers to confirm sufficient storage capacity for video history from the LG cameras, as footage requires cloud subscription.
• Configure geofencing and privacy settings for the LG Indoor Cam to ensure automatic tilt-up functions align with client occupancy schedules.
• Test ultra-wideband proximity unlocking on the LG Smart Deadbolt Lock to confirm reliable performance in the specific physical environment before full deployment.

Step-by-step guide: How Smartphone Security Updates Work: The Hidden Chain

General security guidance from the Patch Observer newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

Which companies manufactured the devices in the Apple Home Collection?

The devices were co-developed by Apple with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric.

Do these devices require third-party apps for setup or management?

No, all products work with the Apple Home app and do not require third-party apps or accounts.

When will the Apple Home Collection be available for purchase?

The products will become available in December.