Apple and LG developing smart lock, thermostat, doorbell

Bloomberg reports that Apple is partnering with LG on a new lineup of smart home products, including a smart lock, a thermostat, and a doorbell. These devices are designed to work with Apple's upcoming smart home hub, which is reportedly launching Oct. 13.

That hub is expected to have a 6-inch square display that can sit on a counter or be mounted on a wall. The two companies are also working on security cameras, with models for indoor, outdoor, and floodlight use, according to the report.

The LG devices are expected to be announced, if not formally released, as early as next week. Interestingly, the devices will reportedly carry the LG brand, despite being developed by both companies.

TechCrunch reached out to Apple for more information. The move would put Apple in more direct competition with Amazon's smart home lineup, which includes Ring cameras and similar products. Apple has been pushing into new hardware categories, and an expanded smart home presence appears to be part of that effort.

For now, none of this is confirmed, and the timeline could slip. But if the report holds, Apple and LG would be taking on Amazon on its home turf.

• Apple
• doorbell
• LG
• security camera
• smart home
• smart lock