Apple is expanding its connected-home offering with a new collection of accessories, including a smart lock, video doorbell, thermostat, room temperature sensor and several security cameras. The devices are designed to work with HomeView, Apple's smart home hub.
Developed in partnership with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric, the products are scheduled to arrive in December. The launch broadens Apple's presence in a market where Ring and Nest are established competitors.
Access and monitoring features
The $349.95 smart lock uses ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to detect nearby authorized users more precisely than Bluetooth. This could enable it to unlock automatically as an approved user approaches.
Apple's $249.95 wired video doorbell lets residents monitor visitors and receive alerts. When someone rings, the chime can play through HomeView, HomePod or HomePod mini, while notifications are sent to iPhone and iPad. A room sensor is designed to show temperature differences across the home.
The camera range includes indoor and outdoor models, plus a $399.95 floodlight camera combining exterior lighting with video monitoring. Features include live viewing, motion detection, alerts and video storage.
By connecting access control, climate awareness and security in one ecosystem, Apple's collection could make everyday home management more seamless as connected devices become increasingly integrated.
