Apple Will Sell Cameras, Doorbells, and Locks That Set Up With One Tap
Made alongside two partners, the devices will be managed in Apple Home and go on sale in December.
Stratechery · Do You Trust Apple? | Stratechery by Ben ThompsonApple says it will offer a set of connected-home gadgets, with cameras for inside and outside, room thermostats and climate sensors, plus a doorbell with video and a lock for doors. The company says shoppers can buy the full range starting in December, while a few items will not arrive until early 2027.
Apple designed the gear alongside LG Electronics, working also with Schneider Electric. Getting started takes a single touch using an iPhone, and daily controls live inside Apple's Home software.
Buyers will not need extra programs or logins. Apple says each gadget scrambles its information from end to end, so home details stay visible only to owners and guests they pick.
"Working closely with industry leaders, LG Electronics and Schneider Electric, we designed every accessory to work seamlessly with Apple Home, so managing your home is simple, reliable, and private," said Matthew Costello, Apple's vice president of hardware engineering.
The bet is that ordinary buyers want smart-home benefits without unreliable connections and extra accounts. A commentary argues Apple's standing on privacy is so strong that shoppers will likely overlook LG's poor history on privacy.
Questions people ask
Do I need an iPhone to use these devices?
Yes, for setup. Apple says setup starts with one tap with an iPhone, and day-to-day control is through the Apple Home app. That means you need an iPhone to start, plus an Apple device for ongoing control.
What does end-to-end encryption mean for a camera or doorbell?
It means video, sensor readings, and access records are scrambled before they leave your home and can only be unlocked by your Apple devices. Even Apple cannot view them on its servers. You can still share access with family members you choose.
Why is Apple building these with other companies?
Apple has long paired partner hardware with its own software, as it did with Lucent for early wireless networking in 1999. LG brings electronics manufacturing, while Schneider Electric makes electrical and energy-control equipment. Apple supplies the setup, the Home app, and the privacy system.