Apple announces HomeView smart display and Apple Home Collection hardware

What happened

Apple has announced a new smart home lineup called the Apple Home Collection and a smart display called HomeView [1, 3]. The hardware collection was developed in partnership with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric [1, 3]. The collection includes several devices:

• HomeView: A smart display and home hub used to control accessories, play music, view recipes, and check calendars [1, 3]. Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of product marketing for home, stated that Siri AI was a critical component for this device [1].
• LG Smart Deadbolt Lock: Priced at $349.95, this lock uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology to unlock automatically as a user approaches [2]. It can also be opened with a PIN or a hidden backup key, and it detects if the door is open, closed, or tampered with [2].
• LG Thermostat: Priced at $199.95, it features Adaptive Temperature technology [2]. In the U.S., it can activate heating or cooling during lower-cost periods for users with compatible utility plans [2].
• Sensors: Temperature and humidity sensors are priced at $39.95 and allow the thermostat to read data across multiple rooms [2].
• Cameras and Video Doorbell: These devices allow users to view live footage through the Home app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV 4K, and HomeView [2]. Cameras require iCloud+ plans [2].

Apple plans to make these products available starting in December, though some accessories will not launch until early 2027 [2].

To simplify the experience, Apple designed the devices for one-tap setup via iPhone, meaning users do not need separate accounts or apps for LG or Schneider products [1, 2]. All data is end-to-end encrypted so only the user can access it [1]. Apple is also partnering with ADT to provide installation assistance through Apple retail stores [1].

While the Home Collection offers a curated list of products, Apple stated it is not replacing the existing ecosystem of third-party devices that support HomeKit or the Matter interoperability standard [1].

Who is affected

• Apple users: The products are designed for those already in the Apple ecosystem, aiming to provide a more integrated experience than previous third-party options [1].
• Homeowners in the U.S.: Users with compatible utility plans can use the thermostat to manage heating and cooling during cheaper periods [2].