Apple has announced the "Apple Home Collection," a lineup of smart home accessories including home cameras, thermometers, doorbells, and smart keys. While these products are provided through collaborations with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric, Apple emphasizes that they offer the same ease of setup with a single tap from an iPhone and privacy protection as Apple's own products.
Each product will become available in December. Sales will primarily focus on the United States and Canada, with a release in Japan currently undecided.
Looking at some specific products, LG's "Video Doorbell" features dual cameras aimed forward and downward to capture both visitors and packages. The chime can be activated via HomeView, HomePod, and HomePod mini. The video resolution is 2.5K for the forward-facing camera and Full HD for the downward-facing camera.
Additionally, there's the "Floodlight Cam," a security camera that automatically activates upon motion detection; the "Outdoor Cam," designed for low-light outdoor shooting; and the "Indoor Cam" for indoor use. Users subscribed to iCloud+ can access 10 days of video history for all cameras. Furthermore, with eligible iCloud+ plans, Apple Intelligence will automatically add summarized descriptions of events occurring in the videos.
With the "Smart Deadbolt Lock" smart key (made by LG), the door automatically unlocks without any action required, simply by a user wearing a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch approaching the door. Other unlocking methods are also available, including tapping an iPhone or Apple Watch, using a PIN pad, or utilizing a backup key slot. It also supports providing unique temporary access methods for house sitters, relatives, and others.
For users unable to install these smart home accessories themselves, a professional installation service will also be launched in the United States for an additional fee.
