A leaker known as 'pdfu,' who has previously shared accurate Apple and LG smart-home leaks, posted new details suggesting an NFC-based 'Proximity Control' feature for upcoming LG Apple Home accessories. The feature reportedly shows device controls in the iPhone's Dynamic Island when the phone is held near a compatible device, using the Matter protocol but tailored to Apple Home. This follows an earlier leak describing a 'tap to setup without power' pairing feature from the same source.
Apple has confirmed a New York event for Tuesday with the teaser phrase 'Welcome Home,' pointing to new smart home hardware. Expected announcements include updated HomePod Minis, a refreshed Apple TV streaming box, and a previously unseen home Hub device meant to sit on a counter or mount on a wall.
Apple has officially scheduled a smart home event for next Tuesday, which CNET will attend in person. Reports and leaks point to a new Siri-focused smart display competing with Amazon's Echo Show and Google's Nest Hub, along with possible updates to the HomePod speaker line. Apple has not responded to requests for comment on the rumors.
In this week's Happy Hour episode, hosts Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller discuss Apple's upcoming product announcements, including a reported partnership with LG on smart home accessories and upcoming changes to macOS Full Disk Access permissions. They also touch on OLED MacBook Pro details, though the episode was recorded before Apple's official 'Welcome home' event announcement.
Apple has announced an event for October 13th at 9AM ET in New York, with an invite carrying the tagline 'Welcome home.' Rumors point to smart home-focused announcements, including a display-equipped smart home hub, an updated HomePod Mini, a new Apple TV, and LG-made accessories like a video doorbell, thermostat, and indoor camera.
A senior reviewer reports that Alexa Plus has become the most reliable smart home assistant she has tested, effectively managing routines, device control, and kitchen tasks across multiple Echo devices. However, its attempts at personal memory features and targeted advertising are inconsistent and frustrating, with frequent intrusive ads on Echo Show displays. Despite improvements in smart home integration, the assistant's personal assistant capabilities remain underdeveloped after a year of use.
Leaker @ringo_tech posted images and specs for LG-branded devices reportedly co-developed with Apple: a wired video doorbell, floodlight camera, and indoor/outdoor plug-in cameras. The leak follows Mark Gurman's report that Apple and LG are jointly building a line of Home accessories including a smart lock, thermostat, and temperature sensor ahead of a product unveiling next week.
The October 7, 2026 episode of 9to5Mac Daily covered the release of iOS 27.2 beta 3 and discussed a reported partnership between Apple and LG focused on smart home technology. The podcast episode, as usual, summarized the day's top Apple-related news stories in audio format.
A leaker who goes by pdfu has posted renders and specs for three smart home devices reportedly co-developed by Apple and LG: a rotating-keypad smart deadbolt lock, a circular smart thermostat, and a magnetic temperature/humidity sensor. The devices are expected to be formally unveiled next week, and reports suggest the lineup will also include doorbell and camera products, all branded under LG rather than Apple.
Apple is said to be collaborating with LG on a line of smart home products, including a smart thermostat, a video doorbell, and several security cameras. Details on pricing, release timing, and branding have not been disclosed.
Leaker pdfu shared assets detailing three LG smart home devices co-developed for Apple's ecosystem: a deadbolt lock with a rotating keypad and auto-unlock, a circular-display thermostat, and a standalone temperature sensor. The lock reportedly includes a lit touchpad, adjustable lock sounds, and an audio alarm for unlatched doors, while the thermostat shows humidity readouts and a 'Far Sight Display' mode.
Ring announced its first smart lock, which lets owners generate emergency power by manually cranking the thumbturn if the battery dies. The lock supports fingerprint, keypad, and app-based unlocking, costs $249, and ships in three finishes starting Q1 2027. Ring also revealed new 4K cameras with its Retinal Vision standard for improved low-light footage, plus a $69.99 Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam 2K.