Smart home · Australian buyers · 7 Oct 2026

Apple and LG partner on smart home: doorbell, lock, thermostat and more

07 October 2026

Apple is working with LG Electronics to build a new range of smart home accessories that will work with Apple's rumoured smart home hub. According to Bloomberg's reporting, the lineup includes an LG-branded wired video doorbell, smart deadbolt, thermostat, temperature sensor, indoor and outdoor cameras, and a floodlight camera.

These products haven't been officially announced by Apple or LG. Here's what we know from the reports, what it could mean for Australian homes, and what you can do about smart home automation today.

What's being reported?

Bloomberg first reported on 6 October 2026 that Apple and LG are co-developing smart home accessories for what's being called a HomeKit reboot. MacRumors, 9to5Mac, and The Verge have all covered the story.

The partnership is described as unusual: LG will manufacture, brand, and support the accessories, while Apple helped with development. FCC and UL filings have been spotted, which suggests the products are real and relatively far along in development.

The accessories are expected to launch some months after Apple's rumoured smart home hub device. Reports suggest Apple may announce a new hub, an updated HomePod mini, and possibly a new Apple TV at a reported event on 13 October 2026, though that date hasn't been confirmed by Apple.

The LG accessories: doorbell, lock, thermostat

According to the reports, the LG-branded lineup includes:

  • Wired video doorbell: Front-door monitoring with video, likely with Apple Home and Siri integration
  • Smart deadbolt: Keyless entry lock that may include UWB (Ultra Wideband) for proximity unlocking when you approach with your iPhone or Apple Watch
  • Thermostat: Climate control tied into Apple's home automation ecosystem
  • Temperature sensor: For room-by-room climate monitoring
  • Indoor and outdoor cameras: For security monitoring inside and outside your home
  • Floodlight camera: Outdoor security camera with built-in lighting

These would compete directly with products from Ring (owned by Amazon), Nest (owned by Google), Aqara, and other established smart home brands.

Connectivity: Matter, Thread, and what they mean

The reported accessories will support Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, Thread, and Matter. This is important for Australian homes:

  • Matter is the new cross-platform smart home standard backed by Apple, Google, Amazon, Samsung and others. Matter devices work across ecosystems, so you're not locked into just one brand.
  • Thread is a low-power wireless mesh network protocol that connects Matter devices. It's more reliable than Wi‑Fi alone because devices form a mesh and relay signals to each other.
  • UWB (Ultra Wideband) on the smart lock would let you unlock your door just by walking up to it with your iPhone or Apple Watch in your pocket.

If you're planning a smart home setup in Australia, Matter and Thread support matters. You're not betting on Apple alone — these standards work with Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and other platforms as well.

When will this be available in Australia?

We don't know. None of this has been officially announced yet. Based on the reports:

  • Apple may announce a new smart home hub and HomePod mini at a rumoured event on 13 October 2026 (not confirmed)
  • The LG accessories may arrive some months after the hub launches
  • Australian availability often follows US launches by weeks or months, depending on local certification and retail agreements

If you need smart home devices now, there's no reason to wait for unannounced products. Existing HomeKit, Matter, and Thread devices work well and are available in Australia today.

Should I wait for Apple's smart home gear?

Wait if you:

  • Are deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem and want first-party or Apple-designed accessories
  • Want UWB proximity unlocking on your front door (not common on current smart locks)
  • Can afford to wait months or longer for products that haven't been officially announced

Don't wait if you:

  • Need smart home devices now for security, convenience, or energy efficiency
  • Want to use existing Matter and Thread devices that already work with Apple Home, Google Home, and Alexa
  • Prefer proven products from Nest, Ring, Aqara, Eve, Philips Hue, or other established brands

The beauty of Matter and Thread is that you can start building your smart home now with devices that will continue to work when Apple's new products arrive. You're not locked in.

What iWizz can set up for you now

You don't need to wait for rumoured Apple products to get a working smart home in Australia. iWizz helps Melbourne homes and businesses set up practical, reliable home automation today:

  • Smart lighting: Philips Hue, LIFX, and Matter-compatible lights for scenes, schedules, and voice control
  • Climate control: Smart thermostats and temperature sensors to save on heating and cooling
  • Security: Video doorbells, smart locks, and cameras that work with your iPhone, Android, or both
  • Sensors and automation: Motion sensors, door/window sensors, and routines that make your home respond to you
  • Voice control: Integration with Apple Home, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa — or all three

We choose devices that work together, set them up properly, and show you how to use them. Whether you're in an apartment, a house, or a small business premises, we can help you automate the things that matter.

Want to talk about smart home automation? Call Tim on 0417 518 940 or visit our home automation page to see what's possible.

The bottom line

Apple and LG working together on smart home accessories is interesting news for anyone invested in the Apple ecosystem. The reported products — video doorbell, smart lock, thermostat, sensors, and cameras — would fill out Apple's smart home offering and compete directly with Nest and Ring.

But these products haven't been announced yet, and Australian availability is uncertain. If you want a smart home now, don't wait. Matter and Thread devices available today will work with whatever Apple releases in the future, and iWizz can help you choose and install them.

Need help with home automation?

iWizz helps Melbourne homes and small businesses choose, install, and get the most out of smart home technology. Whether you're starting from scratch or expanding an existing setup, we're here to make it simple.

Talk to iWizz